Are you craving pickles, why does that happen? Cravings are the body’s desire for something, including food, and usually cannot be resisted. For example, cravings that occur in pregnant women, this is a unique thing but also very strange, the husband must find out how to fulfill what his pregnant wife desires. Funny, but this is very interesting to discuss. If you find our topic interesting this time, let’s dive in with me to explore the science of cravings, especially those related to cravings for sharp and salty pickles.
Before we get to the substantial issue of pickle cravings, let’s first look at the general understanding of food cravings.
Understanding Food or Craving for Pickles
Food cravings are a strong desire in a person’s soul for something such as food or drink, even in other contexts such as wanting to go somewhere or wanting to do something. However, what we are exploring scientifically here is cravings for certain foods or drinks.
Cravings usually appear suddenly without a definite reason, such as cravings in pregnant women. Indeed, some also occur due to the body’s response to certain foods, or due to hunger. However, in general, cravings arise due to physiological, psychological, or emotional factors.
Has the question ever arisen in your mind “Why am I craving pickles”, why am I craving coconut, vinegar, olives, and so on. Actually, behind everything that is unique, there is a science that humans can learn. Science can explain why we crave these foods. It all starts with the reward and pleasure system that emerges in the brain.
1. Science about cravings
Cravings originate from the reward system in the brain. This system is responsible for feelings of pleasure and then provides rewards or positive values for this behavior. When we consume certain foods, the brain releases dopamine, a neurotransmitter associated with pleasure and comfort. This surge in the dopamine hormone will give rise to a pleasant sensation.
Over time, this pleasant thing is perceived and associated by the brain as something positive and this then leads to cravings for delicious food. The brain then also looks for the same thing again at another time because there is a pleasant value in it.
It’s as if the brain is saying “How delicious that food is, let’s eat it again.” This is a craving that is hard to resist.
However, in regulating appetite and cravings, it is not just dopamine that plays a role, there are other neurotransmitters such as serotonin that influence cravings. Serotonin acts as a “feel good” neurotransmitter and plays a role in regulating mood, sleep, and appetite. If there is stress or a hormonal imbalance in the body, it can cause serotonin fluctuations, and this triggers appetite.
So, if you are craving pickles or other foods, it is not something that happens simply, but there is something complex happening in the soul and body.
2. Common types of food cravings
Craving pickles may be something unusual, but we can generally see that this is a craving for sour foods. Some types of food cravings that many people commonly experience are cravings for sweet foods, sour foods, salty snacks, carbohydrates, and even cravings for a combination of several flavors of certain foods.
When someone wants something sweet, their body is likely experiencing a decrease in blood sugar or there is a desire to increase energy instantly. Meanwhile, cravings for salty snacks can be caused by the body being dehydrated or the body needing a supply of electrolytes. Meanwhile, when you lack energy, apart from sweet foods, carbohydrates are a source of sugar and this can also be something you crave. Carbohydrates are the body’s fast source of fuel and produce energy.
There is something more interesting when someone craves certain food flavors, such as cravings for salty and sweet foods or sweet and sour foods. This appetite for several food flavors arises because of the desire for a unique sensory experience with some food flavors or simply as a form of desire to satisfy some taste preferences.
So, if you know the types of cravings in general, you will know that your cravings are motivated by something specific. So you can reflect on when you have a craving, and what is the reason behind your craving. Try to think about what your body is telling you, what it wants, and whether this is related to malnutrition, emotions, or something else.
The Pickle Phenomenon
Pickles are salty and sour foods, these are usually made from cucumbers which are then salted or fermented in a vinegar solution. These are foods that have been loved by many people for centuries in various parts of the world. Pickles have a sharp, refreshing taste.
Even though it may seem so, pickles have several things that can be relied on, certain qualities cause many people to crave them.
Here are some reasons why Pickles are so Good to Eat
1. Nutritional Value of Pickles
Even though pickles are not as delicious as pizza for some people, don’t ever worry about their nutritional content. Pickles are low in calories but very high in mineral and vitamin content. There is also an important thing, where pickles contain sodium, potassium, and magnesium, these nutrients help the body maintain fluid balance and maintain muscle health.
Pickles are also a source of vitamin K, an important nutrient needed for blood clotting and good for bone health.
2. Has a role in many dishes
Pickles are not just a condiment but in their rich history, they are an important ingredient in adding flavor to dishes. Starting from the Jewish dish Dill Pickles to Kimichi, Korean food.
Pickles don’t just come in one variation, there are quite a variety of variations and ingredients used. The various types of pickles available are guaranteed to be food that fulfills many people’s cravings.
Possible Reasons for Craving Pickles
Now that we understand the amazing phenomenon of pickles, let’s look at the reasons behind pickle cravings.
1. Electrolyte Imbalance and Cravings
Cravings for salty foods such as pickles are sometimes because the body is experiencing an electrolyte imbalance. The function of electrolytes in the body is quite significant in keeping the body hydrated and keeping the body functioning well as a whole.
When the body lacks electrolytes, the brain will send signals that cause a desire for foods rich in electrolytes, for example, pickles as one of the foods that provide the body’s electrolytes.
2. There is a relationship between stress and appetite
Stress is a body condition that is uncertain, irregular, restless, anxious and everything combines to become stress and this makes the body look for something pleasant and can reduce this bad condition. So, one of them is to fulfill certain food desires.
Scientifically, when the body is stressed, it releases the hormone cortisol which causes a person to choose certain foods, some people feel comfortable with certain foods or drinks with a salty or sour taste. So, there are many people who crave pickles when they are stressed.
Health Effects of Craving Pickles
Even though pickles are considered a delicious and refreshing crunchy snack, those of you who like this food must know the health effects of eating them in large quantities.
1. Benefits and Risks of Consuming Pickles
First: Pickles are a healthy food because they are low in calories and fat and are also a food rich in nutrients such as minerals, vitamins, and electrolytes which are very important in maintaining the optimal function of the body’s organs. However, you need to pay attention to eating a lot of pickles (in excessive quantities), go to the second point.
Second: Pickles are a sodium-rich food that is not good for those with high blood pressure. Even older people have to limit it so as not to enter the circle of hypertension.
Recommendation:
2. When should people with crave pickles visit a doctor
If your cravings for pickles are beyond normal, the cravings are continuous and require you to eat them continuously. This is no longer good for your health, at times like this there is certainly an underlying health problem in your body. So, immediately contact a doctor or related health expert to find the basis of your problem and find a solution.
They can help you get out of the medical condition you are experiencing and of course, provide solutions for controlling your appetite.
Managing Your Pickle Cravings
It is hoped that you already understand what cravings for pickles are and how they can be explained scientifically. Now let’s see how to manage your pickle appetite.
1. Find a substitute for pickles
If you have to limit pickles, then look for other foods that can replace pickles. Look for something sharp, and crunchy so you don’t have to overdo it with pickles. You could consider some crunchy vegetables like sliced cucumbers, carrots, bell peppers, or a tangy sauce, maybe you could consider sonic sauces as an ingredient for dipping cucumbers or carrots.
2. Strategies for Curb Cravings
For those of you who are quite passionate about pickles, you must learn how to curb your appetite. You can even apply this knowledge when you are craving other foods excessively.
When you are hungry, divert your attention to physical activity, try practicing body relaxation techniques, meditation, or other activities that involve body movement.
Conclusion: Craving Pickles
Craving pickles is not a bad thing pickles are a classic food that is full of fiber, rich in nutrients, and important minerals. It’s just that you have to know how much and how often you should eat it. When your body is craving too much for pickles, maybe that’s the time for you to be careful, look for a solution, go to a nutritionist, or health professional, find the basic problem in your body, and get a solution.
So, the next time you find yourself craving pickles, please obey and eat with awareness and wisdom.
