Beiruting News

Experts say the powerful desire for a certain type of food is the body's way of sending the message that it is missing out on something.

To take a closer look at what your cravings really mean, a team of nutritionists reveal all...

Whatever your vice, your urge for a sweet treat is triggered by your body's sugar levels peaking before crashing back down.

Dr Marilyn Glenville, a leading nutritionist, explained: 'As you eat, your blood sugar goes up and insulin is released.

Foods including broccoli, green beans and grape juice are rich in chromium.

Dr Glenville said: 'This mineral that helps balance insulin levels and keeps afternoon sugar pangs at bay.

'Make sure you eat a healthy breakfast, which contains protein as well as carbohydrates (scrambled eggs with rye bread) and continue later during the day with vegetables; this helps to maintain a steady flow of blood sugar.

'This means, that by the time you get to 4pm, your blood sugar should not have dropped so much that you need that quick sweet fix.'

This is one we can all say, 'be there, craved that' - chocolate.

But while you may be lusting after a smooth Lindt ball, or three, a bar of Dairy Milk or a Reese's peanut butter cup, there is one thing your body really needs.

Ms Wilkinson said: 'Magnesium not only can support the immune system by preventing inflammation but it also plays a crucial role in balancing the nervous system and easing anxiety.

'It is also important for good bone health.'

If you stand firmly in camp savoury when it comes to cravings, there is a chance your body is desperate for sodium.

'You can quickly replenish your sodium levels by snacking on dried anchovies or salted popcorn, which are naturally high in the mineral.

'You can also find small amounts of sodium in celery and carrots, which should help curb your craving,' she added.

Carbs, glorious carbs - bread, rice and pasta.

At some point in our lives the inevitable happens and nothing else will do but a comfort meal, complete with a hefty portion of stodgy carbohydrates.

But when it hits, resist the temptation to gorge on refined, white varieties of your favourite carb.

Instead, the desire is your body telling you it is low in the amino acid, tryptophan.

The amino acid is an essential part of everyone's diet, and helps regulate the production of the horomone serotonin.