Do you have a sudden craving for blueberries? Or maybe a constant craving? We will discuss the different reasons why you might be craving these delicious and nutrient-dense berries. If you are in a crunch for time, here is a brief summary of the common reasons why:
Your body is deficient in one or more of the following: Vitamin C, Manganese, and/or Vitamin K1. Or, quite simply, you may just really enjoy the taste of them.
Read on to learn more about the 4 most common reasons for craving blueberries.
1. Your Body is Low on Vitamin C
Vitamin C, also known as ascorbic acid, is a powerful antioxidant that helps to protect your body from free radicals. Free radicals are molecules that are produced by the body when it breaks down harmful substances that it has been exposed to (such as cigarette smoke, unhealthy food, or X-rays).
In addition to its important role as an antioxidant, Vitamin C is essential in the production of muscle, blood vessels, and cartilage in your body. 1 It also helps to support your immune system.
Blueberries are relatively high in Vitamin C content. In fact, just one cup of blueberries provides nearly 25% of the recommended daily allowance of this vitamin.2 Because of this fact, it stands to reason that your body would be craving blueberries if it was deficient in Vitamin C.
2. Your Body is Low on Manganese
Manganese is what’s referred to as a trace mineral. This mineral helps with several important bodily functions including nutrient metabolism, blood sugar regulation, bone health, and the suppression of free radicals. In addition, it is required for the normal functioning of your brain and nervous system. 3
Just like its Vitamin C content, blueberries are also a good source of Manganese. One cup of blueberries provides 25% of the recommended daily allowance of Manganese. So, if you are craving blueberries, your body may be running low on Manganese. 4
3. Your Body is Low on Vitamin K1
Vitamin K1, also known as phylloquinone, is a vitamin that is essential in the blood clotting process. Additionally, it may also benefit bone health. Blueberries are an excellent source of Vitamin K. In fact, just one cup of blueberries contains 36% of the recommended daily allowance. 5 If you are craving blueberries and you are having an issue with poor blood clotting (excessive bleeding or bruising), it is important that you contact your doctor immediately for testing and advice.
4. You Might Just Like the Taste
If you have a sudden or prolonged craving for blueberries, it is usually not a cause for alarm. After all, it could simply be that you enjoy the taste of them! Sprinkle some cinnamon on them and eat them plain. Also, they are a great addition to many healthy dishes such as smoothies, fruit salads, oatmeal, and cereal. Of course, they are also delicious in many different desserts such as muffins, cobblers, cakes and pies.
General Benefits of Eating Blueberries
In addition to the nutrient content and health benefits that we discussed above, blueberries have other benefits including: 6
- Excellent source of fiber (4 grams of fiber per cup of berries)
- Low-calorie treat with virtually no fat (only 80 calories per cup of berries)
- May help lower cholesterol
- May help manage blood sugar levels
Final Thoughts
If you are curious as to why you are craving blueberries, keep in mind that it is not uncommon to have a craving for them, and in the vast majority of cases, there is no need to be alarmed by this craving. Taking a good quality multivitamin on a daily basis is an effective way to replenish the vitamins and minerals that may be causing your craving for blueberries. Or, simply eat a cup or two of berries when you get the urge!
There is one caveat to keep in mind: If you are currently taking a prescription blood thinner medication, be sure to ask your doctor whether it is OK to consume blueberries. Due to their high Vitamin K1 content, they can partially counteract the effects of the blood thinner medication.
References:
- https://www.mayoclinic.org/drugs-supplements-vitamin-c/art-20363932
- https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/287710
- https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/manganese-benefits
- https://health.clevelandclinic.org/benefits-of-blueberries
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/15018483/
- https://health.clevelandclinic.org/benefits-of-blueberries
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