This is what your most common food cravings say about YOUR health

An Australian nutritionist has highlighted the importance of paying close attention to your cravings, as it can indicate the possibility of deficiencies in the body.

Supercharged Food’s Lee Holmes said ongoing cravings are often caused by deficiencies in essential minerals, which can lead to health problems over time.

“When it comes to nutrition, one of the biggest obstacles people face is ‘the battle of appetite and cravings,'” Lee told FEMAIL.

‘Sometimes when you don’t give your body what it needs, it can put out the banners and protest!’

If you crave chocolate, nuts, or beans, this could mean a deficiency in magnesium, which is found in pumpkin seeds, chia seeds, peanuts, soy milk, and spinach.

Lee suggested reaching for a dark chocolate treat, eating almonds or adding beans to your lunch to make sure the craving doesn’t linger.

He added that deficiencies in zinc, chromium, iron, calcium and magnesium can also trigger sugar cravings.

Craving candy, soda, and other sugary snacks shows that you’re lacking in minerals like chromium, tryptophan, and phosphorus, experts say, all of which are necessary for energy, cell repair, and healthy metabolism.

If you have a craving for chocolate, nuts, or beans, this could mean a magnesium deficiency. Lee suggested reaching for a dark chocolate treat, eating almonds, or adding beans to your lunch to make sure the craving doesn’t linger (stock image)

If you have a craving for a salty snack, this could be a sign of an electrolyte imbalance, which could occur after exercising or being dehydrated.

“When a person loses too much sodium due to vigorous exercise, their body can begin to crave salt,” Lee said.

“Zinc and iron deficiency can also contribute to salt cravings.”

It’s a strange craving, but sometimes you may crave sodas or sparkling water, which Lee says could be an indication of a lack of calcium in the body (stock image)

It’s an odd craving, but sometimes you might crave soda or sparkling water, which Lee says could be an indication of a lack of calcium in the body.

Rather than give in to cravings, complement this by opting to drink milk or eat prunes, kale, and broccoli with a meal.

Other calcium-rich foods include yogurt, green leafy vegetables, sardines, and most cheeses.

If your body is low on iron, you are likely to start craving meat, as a lack of dietary protein and blood sugar problems can cause protein cravings.

You could also be iron deficient if you start craving ice, Lee revealed.