Hormones and cocoa: these irresistible cravings during menstruation
Chocolate bars make more than one dream, especially before their period. But we don't always have a beautiful Apollo by our side to take care of us. Never mind, because this is cocoa, this food stuffed with theobromine: the food of the Gods. Before and during our periods, we don't really want to hold back, but rather to make stomachs. But why this pressing craving for chocolate at this period of the cycle, by the way?
Artemis Menstrual Panties
Persephone Menstrual Panties
Hormonal depression...
During the luteal phase, in the second part of our menstrual cycle (between the expulsion of the egg and the start of our period), estrogen drops in favor of progesterone. With her, hello fatigue, bad mood or blues. It is the famous PMS (premenstrual syndrome) that is showing up. This is why we will naturally tend to seek comfort, among other things in gluttony. Especially in case of heavy periods that can cause anemia , ie an iron deficiency in the blood.
… more tiredness and lack of iron
The drop in iron levels in the blood during menstruation and the fatigue that accompanies them test us nervously. We therefore tend to turn to foods such as dark chocolate, rich in iron, magnesium and potassium. A natural reflex since these minerals act on our organism as anti-stress and relaxants and at the same time help us to fight against fatigue.
Theobromine and serotonin
Chocolate is one of the richest foods in theobromine along with guarana and yerba mate. Once metabolized by our body, the molecule of theobromine reinforces the transport of tryptophan by our neurons, to offer a royal route to serotonin: the hormone of happiness. This is partly why eating chocolate (provided it contains more than 70% cocoa) would be good for morale, especially during menstruation. But be careful: it is a question of consuming it in full consciousness, because distracted consumption would reduce the physical and psychological benefits brought by its tasting, whether it is moreover chocolate or any other food. So not only don't eat your chocolate with guilt, but make yourself comfortable to do so. Especially if you have painful periods .
Comfort (chocolate my blanket)
Beyond the nutritional virtues of chocolate, our desire to consume it is also due to its comforting power. When we are flat, sad or a little on edge, a candy can come to soothe our slump or restore our energy. There is therefore no complex to have during these cocoa cravings, which are even rather healthy since it is a reflex of the brain to feel better. Provided of course not to stuff yourself, at the risk of hurting your stomach or regretting the extra pounds. And to take advantage of all the benefits of chocolate during your period, it is best to choose it dark, with a high percentage of cocoa. Otherwise, among the tips for feeling better, do not hesitate to make love during your period if you are well accompanied because it is a natural painkiller! Otherwise go for painkiller herbal teas and put on your very soft menstrual panties , like a comforter.
By Elise
