Why Do People Have Food Cravings?

I stumbled across this article while researching the benefits of comsuming organic, whole foods compared to processed foods as it relates to the effectiveness of getting rid of cellulite. I think you might find it interesting.

The author's name is Doris Temple, and she seems very well versed on the health & weight loss benefits of eating whole, organic foods as often as possible. Check out her article below.

Food Cravings- The Hidden Causes Revealed

Oh, those food cravings. We have all had them. The usual response is to eat 'what the body wants'. A common misconception is that the body is craving what it lacks.

Well, that may be true if you already eat a totally healthy and balanced diet. In that case if you crave an orange, you probably need the Vitamin C. But, this is not the scenario for most of the food cravings.

Our diets have become made up of foods that are quick and easy. And in many cases already prepared, as in processed food.

This is where the problem lies...

Processed food.

Would it surprise you to find out that processed foods actually have additives in them for the added purpose of creating cravings? A longing or desire for the manufacturer's product.

Sad, but true. Let's take a look at few of the more common food additives.

Monosodium glutamate or MSG, is classed as a flavor enhancer. Due to adverse reactions some people get, it is required to be on the label. This chemical is man made and is harmful to you. Please don't confuse this with natural occurring MSG. The effects of man's created form in no way behaves the same as what occurs in nature. The man made form of MSG can cause cravings of foods that contain it. Kind of explains why so many foods have this ingredient, don't you think? This ingredient is also closely linked to weight gain. You know all that research being done on obesity? Well, they need fat lab rats to do them. But, these creatures don't naturally get fat, so they are given MSG to force weight gain. Makes you stop and think a bit doesn't it?

Another culprit is the artificial sweetener aspartame. Despite having the infamy of being the most complained about food additive, the FDA has maintained its standing as a 'generally regarded as safe' or GRAS food additive. Among the side effects is an addiction or extreme cravings of foods that contain it. Another side effect to note is slow and steady weight gain. That is probably the biggest surprise, since most people watching their weight ingest quite a lot as a low calorie alternative to sugar.

Ok, next on our list of processed nasties...

High Fructose Corn Syrup (HFCS) is in many of the foods you eat. And, the name of it just sounds so harmless too. Alas, it is not. This is also a man made concoction. Under heavy processing, plain old corn syrup, is turned into HFCS. The benefit to manufacturer's is that it is a lot cheaper than sugar and it extends the shelf life of products. You, on the other hand, get fat and suffer food cravings for foods with this addictive additive. This additive has also been linked to higher incidences of autism in children.

Next, there is hydrogenated and partially hydrogenated oils. Public outcry has forced the food manufacturers to at least take out the by-product known as trans fat. That is good. Unfortunately, it is not good enough.

Let me explain...

Hydrogenated oils are highly processed. They claim to be low in saturated fats. Actually, all the essential fatty acids are completely destroyed. This is a problem because the body needs the nutrients contained in these fatty acids. Without them the body would go into starvation. You see, they are absolutely necessary for the body to function properly and also to maintain a normal weight. Essential fatty acids actually help you lose excess body fat.

It gets worse because there is a sort of double whammy effect to hydrogenated oils. These oils also block your body's ability to absorb vital nutrients. So even though you may be getting enough calories, you are nutrient starved. So you end up eating and eating and eating. This is why so many people complain about being both overweight and extremely tired.

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