Cravings...............What's your body telling you?

Cravings could be your body's way of sending an important message to you.....Are you longing for chocolate,a juicy steak or even curry? 

Chocolate......

Scientist believe that certain chemicals known as alkaloids found in chocolate raise brain serotonin levels and helps to lift your mood. They also contain B vitamins and magnesium both of which controls the body's energy production.
Ideally it is advisable to choose chocolates that are at least 70 percent cocoa solids, which are rich in antioxidants . This way you get the greater health benefits.
Always remember that moderation is key, to much chocolate will expand your waist line and cancel all other benefits.

Pasta......

A major trigger for carbohydrate craving is low blood sugar also known as hypoglycaemia. When your blood glucose levels are too low caused by lack of food as a result of going too long between meals, your body will crave carbohydrate such as potato , bread and pasta says nutritionist Zoe Harcombe. To curb your cravings ,go for good carbohydrate not refined ones as these refined ones will play more havoc to your blood levels. Go for oat,fruit and wholegrain pasta...

Curry.....

Recent research into curry addiction at Nottingham Trent University have shown that people eating curry experienced an increase in heart rate and blood pressure. This is because chilli and other hot spice are stimulants which fire up the body's circulation and raise body temperature . If you are craving a curry it could be your body's attempt to cool you down by inducing a much needed sweat....
Chillis are rich in Vitamin C (One chilli contains seven times more Vitamin C  than an Orange) they also give relief to nasal congestion and coughing by increasing the metabolism and dilating the airways of the lungs..

Bread.......

When you can't wait to dig your teeth into a crusty loaf of bread you may be subconsciously aching to get a dose of the mineral selenium. Thus is vital to the body's immune system,thyroid metabolism and reproduction. It is also part of the body's antioxidant defense that helps prevent damage to cells and tissues. While a diet high in bread isn't good for you,eating whole grain bread at breakfast or lunch will give your body the right amount of selenium. If you want to avoid bread ,try a handful of  Brazil nut and this will satisfy your cravings.

Crisps..........

Sudden craving for salty foods like crisps can be a symptom of adrenal exhaustion especially in people who live fast paced , stressful lives. This means your body needs the additional minerals found in natural salt. Salt contains 60 trace minerals but common table salt and salt in processed foods are stripped of these.  Opt for popcorn without butter or salt to nix your craving.
You must bear in mind that salt cravings have been linked to serious health conditions such as diabetes, high blood pressure and sickle cell anemia  So if you find yourself craving salt out of the blue be sure to pay a visit to the  doctor.

Steak..........

Craving red meat could indicate that your body needs more protein. Protein is one of the three macro nutrients your body needs to stay healthy. The other two are Carbohydrate and fat, this is why approximately 15 percent of your total calorie should come from protein.
Have proteins twice a day...but keep red meat to a minimum because eating too much is linked to colon cancer.. If you are a vegetarian and you are craving steak, you may need to find a better protein source. Vegetable proteins are either missing amino acids  or have too few of them as compared with animal proteins .
Try soy protein as an alternative...

Water.........

If you can't get enough water to drink no matter how much you consume or you are drinking much more than usual...It could be a sign of Diabetes..especially if it seems to go hand in hand with frequent visits to the bathroom....
In type 1 diabetes ,symptoms like unquenchable thirst tends to develop rapidly over a couple of weeks..other symptoms are tiredness or weight loss. See your  doctor or visit www.diabetes.co.uk for more information.

Biscuit and Cake...........

Sweet cravings are usually as a result of low serotonin levels says GP Dr Sarah Brewer and may be a form of self medication in that sweet foods can increase serotonin production to lift moods when you are feeling better. Supplements supplying 5-HTP which is converted into serotonin in the brain (also found in turkey and chicken) may help.
Sugar based cravings are also linked with low levels of the mineral chromium, that's needed in the body to stabilize your energy levels. Following a diet rich in whole grains ,meat and beans will help increase levels and will help you feel better......

So friends, we now know why our body craves some certain foods....See to it that you stick to the alternatives.....
*winks*

Living Healthy!!!!!!!



culled from the netdoctor...