People often begin their statements about wanting a specific food with something like, “I don’t know why, but I’m craving ____.” While food cravings are quite common, they often carry an air of mystery. Sometimes, they may seem like subtle internal signals. At other times, they resemble a persistent inner child, surfacing from the depths of our mind and demanding to be satisfied.
According to MedicalNewsToday, cravings originate from the brain regions associated with pleasure, reward-seeking, and appetite. Healthline further elaborates, stating that cravings can be influenced by physical factors such as hormonal imbalances or a poor diet lacking certain nutrients. Emotional factors like stress can also lead you to seek comfort and serotonin from your favorite foods.
If there’s ever a bad time for a taco, we’re not aware of it. However, there are days when your inner child strongly desires the satisfying crunch of a perfectly spicy taco — so what is your body telling you when you can’t stop thinking about tacos? Let’s explore.
Why you might be craving tacos
Tacos consist of several highly crave-worthy elements. If you’re drawn to the heat, your body might actually be signaling that you’re overheated. Although it may seem counterintuitive, a 2015 article in Temperature suggests that capsaicin — the compound responsible for making peppers spicy — can help regulate your internal body temperature by inducing sweating, which aids in cooling off. Alternatively, if you’re feeling a bit low, The Daily Meal suggests your body might crave spicy food to boost your mood, as consuming spicy foods can release endorphins.
If it’s the meat you’re after, Shape indicates that it could be your body’s way of signaling a need for iron, zinc, or B12, as these nutrients are quickly replenished by a healthy serving of red meat.
If you’re longing for that satisfying taco crunch, it might be related to your emotional state. Registered dietitian nutritionist Amy Gorin explained to Everyday Health that feelings of frustration, anger, or stress can lead to cravings for crunchy foods, as the act of chomping down can provide a cathartic release, much like hitting a punching bag.
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