Introduction
It is estimated that 80% of Americans are deficient in a mineral that plays an important role in controlling sugar cravings. This mineral is magnesium, and it is essential for many bodily functions, including regulating blood sugar levels. Magnesium deficiency can lead to a variety of health issues, including increased sugar cravings. In this article, we will discuss the importance of magnesium, the symptoms of magnesium deficiency, and how to increase your magnesium intake. We will also discuss how magnesium can help to reduce sugar cravings.
80% of Americans Are Deficient in This Mineral That Controls Sugar Cravings
It’s no secret that Americans have a sweet tooth. But did you know that 80% of Americans are deficient in a mineral that helps control sugar cravings?
The mineral is chromium, and it’s essential for regulating blood sugar levels. Chromium helps the body process carbohydrates, fats, and proteins, and it helps the body use insulin more efficiently. Without enough chromium, the body can’t properly process sugar, leading to cravings.
Chromium deficiency is especially common in people with diabetes, but it can affect anyone. Symptoms of chromium deficiency include fatigue, sugar cravings, and weight gain. If you’re experiencing any of these symptoms, it’s important to talk to your doctor about getting tested for chromium deficiency.
Fortunately, chromium deficiency is easy to treat. The best way to get more chromium is through diet. Foods that are high in chromium include broccoli, potatoes, apples, and whole grains. You can also take a chromium supplement, but it’s important to talk to your doctor before taking any supplements.
If you’re looking to reduce your sugar cravings, getting enough chromium is a great place to start. Eating a balanced diet and taking a chromium supplement can help you get the chromium you need to keep your blood sugar levels in check.
Attempting to chop down on sugar could be an train in white-knuckle willpower, however it’s useful to shift your focus away from what you are not consuming to, as an alternative, what it’s best to begin incorporating into your food regimen: magnesium-rich meals.
That is very true in the event you’re craving chocolate, in response to Susan Yanovski, MD, co-director within the Workplace of Weight problems Analysis on the Nationwide Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Illnesses. (Associated: The 7 Healthiest Meals to Eat Proper Now.)
“As a result of chocolate is excessive in magnesium, it has been instructed {that a} deficiency could play a job in these cravings,” she says. “This can be a analysis space that wants extra investigation, however it does current an intriguing chance when it comes to what is likely to be the underlying trigger of those cravings.”
She says that as much as 80% of individuals within the U.S. could also be poor within the important mineral, and analysis signifies we’re merely not getting sufficient of it by way of food regimen alone. A analysis evaluate printed within the journal Open Coronary heart referred to as the scenario “a public well being disaster,” significantly as a result of sufficient magnesium would not simply hold your fingers out of the sweet jar—it additionally performs a vital position in bone well being, coronary heart perform, digestion, sleep, mobile well being, and even temper and vitality ranges.
Chronically low ranges may enhance your probabilities of having hypertension, coronary heart illness, sort 2 diabetes, and osteoporosis, in response to the Mayo Clinic.
Happily, there are many wholesome meals selections that allow you to load up on the mineral. The cacao in chocolate is a wealthy supply of magnesium, which implies you will get the unsweetened powder—many manufacturers supply cacao-only choices—and throw slightly into your subsequent smoothie, for instance. You can even get extra magnesium by way of nuts, seeds, beans, brown rice, dried fruits, and darkish leafy greens.
The beneficial every day allowance for adults is 420 milligrams for males and 320 milligrams for ladies. Seeds are an particularly sensible choice for hitting your totals—simply an oz of pumpkin seeds has 168 milligrams, for instance—however you’ve got loads of different choices, too. Three ounces of salmon packs 26 milligrams of magnesium, as an illustration, and a cup of cooked spinach offers you 156 milligrams.
Here is an additional bonus for working towards your beneficial quantity: Magnesium will help you keep a powerful immune system, says dietitian Martha Lawder, MS, RDN, an adjunct professor of vitamin at California State College-Sacramento.
Whereas the COVID-19 pandemic rages on and chilly and flu season remains to be in full pressure, it is much more necessary to include the mineral into your food regimen or every day complement routine. And it’s possible you’ll simply discover your cravings for sugary treats will dissipate alongside the best way.
For extra recommendations on meals that will assist decrease your threat of experiencing antagonistic signs of the novel coronavirus, take a look at 5 Grocery Retailer Objects That Assist You Fight COVID.