Why Am I Craving Garlic? 7 Reasons

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why am I craving garlic

Do you ever get a craving for garlic?

Or maybe you can’t get enough garlic bread, even though your family says you’re eating too much of it. You’re not alone. Lots of people have a craving for garlic. In fact, some people crave it so much that they eat it spicy and raw! So what gives? Why do we crave garlic?

There are many reasons why this might happen, and we will explore the most important reasons in this blog post. Garlic is a delicious herb that has many health benefits. It is a great way to add flavor to your food, and it can also help improve your health.

If you are wondering why you are craving garlic, read on to learn more about the top seven reasons why this might be happening!

1. You May Have Low Blood Sugar

low blood sugar symptoms

One common reason for garlic cravings is low blood sugar. When our blood sugar drops, we may experience symptoms like dizziness, fatigue, and irritability.

Our bodies will also release hormones that signal to our brain that we need to eat something to raise our blood sugar levels. This can lead to cravings for quick-acting carbohydrates like crusty garlic bread or pasta with garlic sauce.

2. You Might Be Anemic 

iron deficiency anemia

If you’re feeling tired and fatigued, it could be a sign that you’re anemic. One of the best foods to eat if you’re anemic is garlic.

Garlic is high in iron and can help increase your iron levels, which will give you more energy. If you think you might be anemic, and you’re also having food cravings you can’t explain, talk to your doctor about getting a blood test.

3. You Might Be Stressed 

Stress can cause all sorts of weird cravings, and garlic is one of them. If you’ve been feeling stressed lately, try taking a relaxation break or yoga class to help calm yourself down. And don’t forget to add some garlic to your dinner! It might just help you relax.

4. You Might Be Sick 

A garlic craving could be a sign that your body is trying to fight off a cold or other infection. Garlic has natural antibacterial and antiviral properties, so it’s no wonder your body is craving it when it’s under the weather.

Next time you’re feeling sick, try making yourself a bowl of chicken soup with lots of garlic in it. Yum!

5. You Might Be Pregnant 

pregnant woman

Pregnancy cravings are a real thing (just ask any pregnant woman!). Some women start craving garlic cloves during pregnancy because their bodies are low in iron. Again, iron, a very common nutritional deficiency!

If you’re pregnant and craving garlic, talk to your doctor about whether or not you should take an iron supplement. They might also recommend adding more leafy greens and lean meats to your diet, as well as incorporating more garlic into your cooking. 

6. Taste

Garlic simply tastes great! One valid reason you’re craving garlic can simply be its flavor. If you’re a fan of the taste of garlic, then there’s nothing wrong with adding more of it to your diet. Just be careful not to overdo it, or you might end up with bad breath!

If you love garlic, why not try growing your own? Garlic is actually really easy to grow, and it’s a great way to get fresh garlic any time you want it.

Simply plant some garlic cloves in a pot filled with soil, water regularly, and wait for them to sprout. In no time at all, you’ll have your very own garlic plants!

7. Inflammation relief

Another reason people might crave garlic is because it has anti-inflammatory properties. If you’re experiencing inflammation in your body, eating garlic can help to reduce that inflammation and provide relief.

Garlic is also a good source of antioxidants, which can help protect your body from free radicals and other harmful toxins. So if you’re looking for a healthy way to reduce inflammation and boost your antioxidant levels, garlic might be the perfect food for you!

Overall, there are all sorts of reasons why someone might be craving garlic. If you find yourself constantly reaching for the jar of minced garlic at dinnertime, don’t worry—you’re not alone! Or that roasted garlic topped pizza or garlic marinated steak? It’s okay to have these in moderation.

Just remember to listen to your body and give it what it needs.

Whether that also means upping your intake of leafy greens or taking an iron supplement, there’s no doubt that adding more garlic into your life is always a good idea.

How to tell whether I am craving garlic for physical reasons or emotional eating

Emotional Hunger Versus Physical Hunger

When it comes to garlic, there are two main schools of thought. Some people believe that garlic is a powerful physical health tonic, while others view it as more of an emotional crutch. So how can you tell which category you fall into? One way to gauge your motivation for eating garlic is to consider how much you typically consume. 

If you find yourself eating garlic on a daily basis or adding it to every meal, chances are that you view it as an essential part of your diet. On the other hand, if you only turn to garlic when you’re feeling stressed or down, it’s likely that you’re using it as an emotional crutch. 

Another way to tell the difference is to pay attention to your cravings. If you find yourself wanting garlic even when you’re not physically hungry, it’s a good sign that your craving is more emotional than physical. 

We highly recommend our Food Journal App so you can start tracking your food intake and learning about your cravings.

Ultimately, only you can decide whether garlic is a helpful addition to your diet or a harmful vice. But by taking the time to examine your motivation for eating garlic, you can gain valuable insights into your overall health and well-being.

Craving garlic during pregnancy

Some pregnant women find that they develop sudden and intense cravings for garlic. While the cause of this phenomenon is not fully understood, there are some possible explanations.

It is well known that garlic contains a high level of sulfur, which is a key component of many pregnancy-related hormones. It is possible that the body craves garlic in order to replenish its supply of sulfur.

Additionally, garlic is a rich source of many other nutrients, including calcium, iron, and vitamin C. These nutrients are essential for a healthy pregnancy, and it is possible that the body craves garlic in order to get enough of them.

Whatever the cause, there is no need to worry about craving garlic during pregnancy. Eating garlic in moderation is perfectly safe for both mother and child. In fact, it may even offer some benefits, such as helping to ward off colds and infections, and to boost immune system function.

So if you find yourself reaching for the garlic bread more often than usual, there is no need to feel guilty. Your body just knows what it needs!

Craving garlic when sick

When you’re sick, your body is fighting an infection. To help give your immune system a boost, you may start craving foods like garlic that are high in vitamins and minerals. Garlic is a powerhouse of nutrients. It’s packed with vitamin C, B6, manganese, and selenium.

These nutrients all play important roles in supporting the immune system. For example, vitamin C is a well-known antioxidant that helps to protect cells from damage. B6 is essential for the production of antibodies.

Manganese is involved in the development of new tissue, and selenium helps to keep the immune system functioning properly.

So if you find yourself reaching for garlic when you’re sick, your body may be trying to tell you something! Same thing with onions too!

How can I stop craving garlic?

If for some reason you want to give up garlic entirely but you can’t, try to eat it in moderation. You might also want to cut back on other strong-smelling foods, such as onions and fish. In addition, make sure to eat plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables.

These foods will help to cleanse your palate and reduce the intensity of your cravings. Finally, drink plenty of water throughout the day. This will help to flush the garlic out of your system and reduce your overall intake.

By following these tips, you can help to curb your garlic cravings and still enjoy a healthy diet.

Is garlic addictive?

Although garlic has many health benefits, some people worry that it is addictive. However, there is no evidence to suggest that garlic is addictive.

Addictive substances cause changes in the brain that lead to compulsive drug-seeking behavior. There is no evidence that garlic has any impact on the brain, and therefore it is not considered to be an addictive substance.

However, like anything else, it is possible to eat too much garlic. Eating large quantities of garlic can cause stomach pain, heartburn, and bad breath. So, while garlic isn’t addictive, it’s still important to eat it in moderation.

Tell me the best way to eat garlic?

There are different ways people eat garlic. Some people just eat it raw, while others cook it in different dishes. According to some research, the best way to eat garlic is by crushing it and then letting it sit for about 10 minutes before consuming it.

This allows the compounds in the garlic to be released and provide the most health benefits. Garlic has been shown to have many health benefits, including reducing the risk of heart disease, lowering blood pressure, and boosting the immune system.

So, if you’re looking for a way to improve your health, try adding more garlic to your diet.

Can you eat too much garlic?

While garlic is generally considered safe to eat, there are a few potential side effects that you should be aware of. Consuming large amounts of garlic can cause bad breath, heartburn, and nausea.

It can also irritate the stomach lining and cause flatulence. If you have any existing digestive problems, such as gastritis or ulcers, you should avoid eating garlic altogether.

In rare cases, garlic can cause allergic reactions, such as hives or difficulty breathing. If you experience any of these symptoms after eating garlic, seek medical attention immediately.

Overall, garlic is a healthy addition to your diet, and it’s difficult to eat too much garlic.

Is garlic seasoning healthy?

Garlic seasoning is a healthy way to add flavor to your food, and there’s a reason many people crave garlic seasoning and garlicky sauce! Garlic is a natural source of antioxidants, which can help to protect your cells from damage.

Additionally, garlic has been shown to boost the immune system and lower blood pressure. However, it is important to use garlic salt seasoning in moderation (as opposed to garlic “powder” which is lower) as it is usually also high in salt.

Too much salt can lead to hypertension, or high blood pressure, which can lead to heart disease and stroke. Therefore, it is best to use garlic seasoning sparingly and to focus on using other herbs and spices to flavor your food.

About the Author

Jared Levenson is a former binge eating wrestler turned Zen Buddhist Monk, Internal Family Systems counselor and nutrition wellness coach. He's helped hundreds of people through universal meal principles and internal family systems to make peace with food, stop binge eating, and find true health and wholeness.

@jared_levenson

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