All The Reasons Why Your Body Needs Magnesium; Know Five Food Sources To Boost Your Daily Intake

Magnesium is a trace mineral which is required by the human body to perform several vital functions. It supports your muscles, gut, brain and bone health. Magnesium also supports the functioning of the immune system. There are several foods that are loaded with magnesium which you can add to your diet. In this article let's understand the important functions magnesium performs and what are the major food sources of this mineral.

Magnesium health benefits

For aiding bone health:

Magnesium can help regulate calcium and vitamin D levels which are important for remineralisation of the bones.

Improves PMS symptoms:

Magnesium plays a role in reducing PMS symptoms, especially when taken with Vitamin B6. Magnesium is known to help the prostaglandin effect which helps reduce bloating, mood swings and reduces breast tenderness in the body.

Also read: Magnesium Deficiency Signs And Symptoms: Fatigue, Cramps, Reduced Appetite And More
May reduce anxiety:

Magnesium is pivotal for its role in conditions like depression and anxiety. Low levels of magnesium can contribute to the severity of reaction of the body's response to stress. The HPA axis known as the Hypothalmic-Pituatary axis is involved in stress control reaction and is impacted in its optimal functioning by low magnesium in a person.

For restless legs syndrome:

The contribution of magnesium also goes a step further in aiding people with restless leg syndrome, a sleep related condition leading to restlessness in the legs especially while sleeping.

Boosts heart health:

Magnesium is also imperative for its role in maintaining the health of the muscles of the heart. It's deficiency in the body is linked with higher risk of heart conditions.

Also read: Magnesium Helps Maintain Optimum Vitamin D Levels: Study

Some magnesium rich-foods are-

1. Pumpkin Seeds: These can be used in salads, overnight smoothie bowls or as a quick mid snack. Having them raw is a lot better for the absorption of nutrients than when it is roasted

2. Green leafy vegetables: Green leafy vegetables are high on magnesium and can be consumed best as steamed vegetables or boiled vegetables

3. Bananas: Bananas can be especially consumed in smoothies, with overnight oats or as a part of the fruit plate as first thing in the morning

4. Brown rice: Brown rice is a popular choice these days. It can help you improve magnesium levels.

5. Curd: Curd is a good source of magnesium. It is also a good probiotic that can improve your gut health.

(Janvi Chitalia is an Integrative Gut Microbiome Health Coach and Functional Medicine Nutritionist)

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