Why do we crave desserts after a meal?

by Shravani Punawala Blogger

If you have a sweet tooth, controlling your sugar cravings is easier. Sweet indulgence becomes almost a necessity after a meal. This is seen in nearly all Indian households. India is known for celebrations and festivities, and there is a 'mithai' for every occasion. Meals are no different. Finishing dinner or lunch with a sweet delight is almost a custom. But why is this the case?

The obvious answer is they are tasty. But digging deeper into this norm brings out several psychological reasons. It also is a practical way to end a heavy meal. It cleanses the palate after the consumption of overpowering flavours. Also, you feel at ease despite a heavy meal when you round it off with desserts. So, next time you feel guilty about having no self-control, fret not. Check out these other reasons that justify the sugar cravings:

Lifts your mood

Reaching out for a box of chocolates, ice cream, or a slice of cake is the first instinct on a bad day. It is a way to self-treat and livens the mood. The same motivation drives us to incorporate sweets at the end of a meal. Indulging in them in small quantities daily makes us feel content and satisfied.

Lowers blood pressure

Although slightly, sure sweet treats reduce blood pressure. They also minimise the risk of stroke. Active ingredients like dark chocolate and coffee prove effective for this. Tiramisu, dark chocolate cake, tarts, etc., help with this. Hence, having them after a meal eases you and keeps you light-hearted. Besides, moderate caffeine consumption is good to alert you even after a heavy meal.

Create memories

We build memories when we indulge in delicacies that lift us when we are low. They also trigger primal emotions that lead to happiness. It becomes hard to resist such a dopamine hike. Hence, giving in to the sweet cravings is a part of creating memories. You make it more special by tying it with memorable moments. Be it celebrations or spending quality time with family. As the latter happens during mealtime, sweets become a part of the meal.

Mental ramifications

Besides diet and exercise, your mental health also plays a role in your well-being. Keep it in check to reduce cortisol levels. This is not always easy as mental stress is a complex problem. But there are ways to distract your mind and let it focus on positive things. This is where stressing results in increased sugar cravings. However, it may lead to overindulgence. Hence, having it as a requirement reduces the need to binge eat.

Promotes good sleep

Sleeping habits influence all aspects of your health. Poor sleep pattern messes with your metabolism and handicaps your cerebrum. While stress and overthinking are the common reasons for sleep deprivation, unsatisfied hunger is also responsible. This gets settled by having desserts after dinner.