Why Do We Crave Chocolate During Period and Is It Beneficial For Us? 

During menstruation, many women experience a variety of cravings, and one of the most common is a desire for chocolate. 

Generally, cultural and societal factors contribute to the craving for chocolate during periods. 

If women observed others indulging in chocolate during this time, they may be more likely to crave it themselves. 

This is often accompanied by questions about the actual origins of these cravings.

In this article, we will find out why do we crave chocolate during period. We will also explore the potential benefits of eating chocolate during periods.

Craving chocolate during period

Chocolate cravings during menstruation are quite high, especially when your period is about to start. 

Scientists have been trying to figure out why this happens. Some studies show a connection between hormones and chocolate cravings, but not all studies agree. 

One idea is that hormones in your body change during your menstrual cycle and might make you crave carbohydrates and sweet foods. 

Another thought is that certain ingredients in chocolate may help address nutritional deficiencies or alleviate premenstrual symptoms. 

But, scientifically, these haven’t really proven to be true.

Serotonin’s role in craving during periods

The fluctuations in Serotonin levels during the menstrual cycle can contribute to the craving for chocolate during periods. 

Serotonin is involved in regulating mood. Insufficient levels of this hormone may contribute to fatigue, food cravings, and sleep disturbances experienced during PMS.

Chocolate contains compounds that can enhance Serotonin levels in the brain, which may help alleviate these mood-related symptoms. 

Benefits of chocolate during periods

If you are among those women who crave chocolate during periods, there’s no harm in adding it to your diet in moderation. 

Chocolate, especially dark chocolate with rich cocoa content, offers several potential benefits during periods. These include:

Mood enhancement

Chocolate is known to contain compounds (Dopamine precursor Tyrosine, Serotonin, and Endorphins).

It may help improve mood swings, which are often associated with periods.

Pain relief

Some compounds found in dark chocolate, such as Flavonoids, possess anti-inflammatory properties. 

By inhibiting the production of Prostaglandin hormones, Flavonoids in dark chocolate may contribute to reducing menstrual discomfort.

There are also NSAID medicines like Ibuprofen that help relieve pain.

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If you’re craving chocolate, it’s okay to indulge a little. Just be mindful of how much you are eating and try to balance it with other nutritious foods.

Include ample amounts of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins in your meals. 

It will ensure you’re getting all the essential nutrients your body wants to stay healthy, even if you are treating yourself to a bit of chocolate now and then.

Conclusion

The reason why we crave chocolate during period is influenced by a variety of factors. 

A combination of biological, psychological, and cultural factors drives it. 

While the exact reasons behind chocolate cravings during menstruation may vary, hormonal fluctuations, particularly in Serotonin levels, play a major role.

Many women find that eating chocolate provides temporary relief from mood swings and other premenstrual symptoms.

It’s important to enjoy chocolate in moderation while maintaining a balanced diet.

Furthermore, dark chocolate, with its higher cocoa content, offers potential benefits such as mood enhancement and pain relief due to its rich content. 

You can also explore other options like medicines to relieve menstrual pain with a doctor’s consultation. 

Frequently Asked Questions

• pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
• researchgate.net
• ncbi.nlm.nih.gov