Do you ever find yourself craving mustard just before your period begins? If yes, you’re not alone. Unusual food cravings are a common thing to many women as part of their premenstrual symptoms.
Cravings for mustard might seem specific, but they’re only one of numerous food-related cravings that may occur during this time. Before we go deeper into the realm of mustard, it’s important to think about the reasons why such cravings occur in the first place.
What Does It Mean When I Crave Mustard?
Craving mustard doesn’t only revolve around tasting its delicious tangy flavor. It goes beyond that. It is usually connected with our body’s nutritional requirements or emotional state as well as individual preferences.
Sometimes when you find yourself reaching for mustard, it could represent your body’s way of signaling that it’s seeking certain ingredients that mustard is believed to have.
These include selenium, magnesium and omega-3 fatty acids that are vital for a variety of bodily functions like inflammation and brain health. These cravings may arise from the body’s instinctual urge to fix a deficit or imbalance.
Food cravings, whether emotional or physical like one for mustard, may be self-medicating. The distinct, distinctive flavor of mustard could offer the senses a sensation that temporarily eases stress or gives you a sense of familiarity.
Stress can profoundly affect our food cravings as some hormones may cause us to seek out certain food items. The strong taste of mustard can be a great pleasure in times of stress, serving as a tiny, but important source of comfort.
Furthermore, the desire isn’t always about emotions or nutrition. Sometimes, it’s about a taste that can add excitement to your food. Humans are attracted to variety, and the distinct flavor of mustard makes everyday meals more intriguing and enjoyable.
Also, it’s important to remember that although mustard can be an integral part of a healthy lifestyle, moderation is the key, especially for people suffering from particular health issues or food restrictions.
Some varieties contain high levels of sodium, which might make them inappropriate for all.
Does mustard provide specific nutrients that might be lacking during menstruation?
On those pesky period days, your body benefits from specific nutrients to help manage symptoms such as cramps, bloating, and fatigue.
As a condiment or seed, mustard provides several nutrients that may be particularly helpful at these times. Mustard seeds are a rich source of magnesium, calcium, and potassium(1).
Magnesium can help reduce menstrual cramps because it helps relax the smooth muscle of the uterus and reduce the prostaglandins that cause the pain.
Calcium is known for its role in muscle contraction and might help in managing cramps as well. Potassium assists with fluid balance, helping to reduce bloating, often accompanying periods.
In addition, mustard is loaded with omega-3 fatty acids that are well-known for their ability to reduce inflammation. This is particularly beneficial in reducing the severity of cramps that occur during menstruation.
Incorporating this spice into your diet could provide relief from menstrual cramps and heavy bleeding because of these properties.
Some mustard seeds, depending on the type, may provide an adequate amount of iron and are a great choice for women as they lose a lot of iron through menstrual blood. A diet rich in iron aids to maintain healthy levels of iron and helps prevent anemia.
Healthy Ways To Satisfy Mustard Cravings
Mustard is a low-calorie food bursting with flavor, therefore cravings for it can be satisfied in various healthy ways. Here are some ways to incorporate it into your food and snacks:
- Dressing for Salads: Mix it with vinegar, a little olive oil and of course your preferred choice of herbs to make a tasty salad dressing. I bet this is healthier than many store-bought dressings that loads plenty of sugar, calories, and unhealthy fats.
- Marinade for Proteins: Use mustard as a marinade for fish, chicken or tofu. Mix it with lemon juice, garlic, and some herbs to create an enticing and nutritious marinade. This not only makes it more tasty but can soften the food as well.
- Sandwich Spread: Spread mustard on whole grain bread or wraps instead of mayonnaise for wraps or sandwiches. It provides enough flavor without the extra calories and fats.
- Dipping Sauces: Mix together mustard, honey and Greek yogurt to create creamy dips for pretzels or vegetables. Add spices such as garlic or dill for more flavor.
- Topping for Baked Foods: Use mustard as a top off for your baked and grilled recipes like a crust for fish. Brush a little of it over the top of the dish and then sprinkle it with breadcrumbs and a few herbs before cooking.
- Flavoring for Soups and Stews: Mix mustard into stews and soups for added spice. It can enhance the flavor and also add a touch of spice.
- Glazing Vegetables: Sprinkle some mustard over vegetables like potatoes or carrots before roasting for the most delicious, tangy and tasty crust.
- With Legumes: Stir a little mustard into your bean or lentil dishes to increase the natural flavor and give a little kick without overpowering them.
- Mustard Dip for Hard-Boiled Eggs: To make a quick, high in protein snack, dip hardboiled eggs in a bit of mustard.
- Flavored Popcorn: For a healthy, low-calorie snack, sprinkle a lil bit of this condiment over popcorn or mix mustard powder with your spices before popping.
Be aware that even though mustard has a low-calorie content, it could contain high levels of sodium, which is why it’s perfect for consuming it in moderation as a part of healthy eating(balanced diet).
Choosing ones that cut back on added sugars and come with simple ingredients can also help keep your snacks healthy. Try different methods to satisfy your craving for mustard in a healthy and tasty way!
Craving Mustard Before Your Period? Wrap
A craving for mustard prior to your period can be a special experience. However, it’s not completely surprising, given the body’s intricate requirements during menstrual cycles.
It’s not just an enticing flavor that will satisfy your cravings, but it also offers numerous nutritional benefits. It is rich in minerals such as calcium and magnesium, and it can provide relief from menstrual cramps and improve overall health throughout this period.
Whether you spread it on the bread, put it as a marinade or make it a part of your favorite meals, there’s a myriad of ways to enjoy it.
So, next time you’re reaching for the mustard jar just before your period, remember that it’s more than an appetite. Your body is signalling that you need some extra strength in a tasty and delicious way.
