COLUMN: What do your sweet-tooth cravings say about your personality?

Everybody has friends who are self-proclaimed chocoholics. They absolutely crave anything chocolate and can’t understand why there are people who crave anything but chocolate.

Then there are those friends who go for fruity flavors like clock work. Strawberry slush? Yes, please. Black cherry ice cream? Automatic choice. No matter what the treat, a fruity flavor always seals the deal. Why?

The answer might be rooted in psychology, according to a study by the Smell & Taste Treatment and Research Foundation in Chicago.

The sweets people crave give insight into certain personality traits, based on the study’s results.

Our bodies needs sugar for their natural boost. The sugar found in sweets is refined and absorbs into the blood stream much faster than sugars found in fruit or starches, the study found. When a our body needs a quick refuel, it craves something sweet.

So when people say a certain type of sweet is their comfort food, turns out there might be a little science behind that idea.

Chocolate releases serotonin, a natural chemical produced by our body that works as an antidepressant that literally does make you feel better, said Alan Hirsch, the lead researcher of the study.

When that craving for sweets kicks in after a rough day, what you reach for might say a lot about you, based on Hirsch’s study. For example, results show that extroverts crave dark chocolate while introverts seek out milk chocolate.

But the study goes beyond simply defining people as introverts or extroverts based on their chocolately perferences. Check out the top categories from the research and compare your sweet-tooth cravings to see if it provides a little insight about yourself.

Chocolate

What it says about your body: The serotonin release from consuming chocolate gives you that emotional pick-me-up you may need if you’re craving that Hershey’s kiss.

What it says about you: Dark chocolate lovers are free-spirited social butterflies and the type of person you want to be partnered with on a class project. Those who crave milk chocolate tend to be a little more reserved and prefer some relaxing alone time.

Sugary

What it says about your body: If you’re yearning for sweets, you need a boost. Whether it’s an emotional or energy one, the sugar in sweets can give you that kick start.

What it says about you: If you’re someone who just needs sugar, you might be a little crazier than most. You like to stand out and push the limits.

Sweet and salty

What it says about your body: Your body needs both sugar and salt, otherwise your cells can start to slow down. Resolution? Grab those chocolate-covered pretzels or sweet and salty chex mix.

What it says about you: You are witty but more reclusive than most. You tend to be private, and at times can be standoffish, so be aware of that.

Sweet and spicy

What it says about your body: We crave spicy things when our body needs to cool down. If you’re craving those jalapeno-flavored jelly beans or chocolate chili bar, it’s because your body wants to perspire in an effort to cool itself.

What it says about you: You need organization and timeliness in your life and not having it can really stress you out. Remember not to sweat the small stuff.

Dusti Gasparovic is a University College freshman.

Dusti Gasparovic

Dusti is a former staff member of The Oklahoma Daily who worked as Life & Arts Reporter.