Chocolate is one of the most common food cravings known to man (and woman), and there may be a biological reason for many of those cravings: magnesium.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration recommends that women get 320 mg of magnesium a day, and that men get 420 mg. Most people on average get only a third to half that amount from their diets.
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The website
SheKnows points out that magnesium is a factor in more than 700 biochemical reactions in the body and also influences energy, heart rate, and blood sugar levels.
WebMD adds that low magnesium can cause inflammation, and that many of those who struggle with conditions including high blood pressure and infertility also have low magnesium.
Dark chocolate is a high-magnesium food, with 1 ounce providing 24 percent of the recommended daily value,
according to Everyday Health. Other foods that are high in magnesium include pumpkin and sunflower seeds, herbs, and leafy greens, but those aren't usually considered to have the emotional satisfaction of chocolate.
Dark chocolate has a much greater concentration of magnesium (and other nutrients) than milk or white chocolate, so don’t think that just any kind of chocolate will give the same benefits. While the craving for chocolate may be related to magnesium cravings, the body may not be able to distinguish between different types of chocolate. Part of the craving may also be due to the sugar and other nutrients in chocolate as well.
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You don’t need to worry about getting too much magnesium — there are no toxic amounts. Although eating an unlimited amount of chocolate may help you reach your magnesium requirements, moderation is recommended. Chocolate can give some satisfaction in small amounts, and magnesium requirements can be met with other foods or supplements if needed,
notes Dr. David Williams.
For women, chocolate cravings may be related to hormone fluctuations when the need for magnesium may be even greater than normal. Magnesium deficiencies may exacerbate the symptoms of PMS or dysmenorrhea,
according to WellnessMama.
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