Cravings Uncovered: How They Impact Your Body and Mind
Introduction: Imagine when you experience a strong yearning or an unstoppable urgent desire for a packet of chips with flavour or packet of chocolate bar during midnight despite having heavy dinner. Such uncontrollable desires are termed as cravings . Occasional cravings are quite natural but frequent and intense cravings can have significant impact on our health. A craving is usually for a specific type of food, often rich in sugar, fat, or salt. In cravings, we don’t feel hungry—but want food items such as ice cream , pizza , or french fries . Cravings are usually linked to emotion, or even habitual. Key difference to understand Hunger and Craving Hunger Craving Physical need for food to require nutrients to function properly A psychological desire for a specific food, usually driven by emotions Originates in the hypothalamus Influenced by dopamine (the “pleasure” neurotransmitter). ...