Magnesium is a naturally occurring mineral that helps our bodies convert food into energy. It also supports the normal functioning of the body from muscle function, to stablising blood pressure and building strong and healthy bones.
The NHS recommends 270mg a day for women and 300mg a day for men. Good news for vegans everywhere as there are some great plant based sources of magnesium. This article will highlight foods high in magnesium, as well as the many uses this magic mineral can have for our health and well-being!
Firstly, this nutrient can help regulate our sleep cycle. Low levels of magnesium have been linked to sleep deprivation and other health conditions like insomnia. This has led to an uptake in magnesium becoming a popular natural sleeping remedy.
If you are struggling to have a good night’s rest then checkout our article on How to Get a Good Night’s Sleep for even more advice and natural sleeping remedies.
Magnesium may help to relieve the pain of headaches and prevent migraines. Those who suffer from migraines have lower levels of magnesium in their blood and tissue. These low levels can restrict blood vessels and affect neurotransmitters which causes migraines. One study found a significant reduction in migraine attacks for those upping their magnesium intake compared to those in the placebo group. Furthermore, migraines can be a symptom of premenstrual syndrome which magnesium has also been found to reduce the symptoms of.
Magnesium can not only be used to benefit our physical health, but our mental well-being as well. It has been found to help those who suffer with low mood disorders like depression and anxiety. For example, one study found that low levels of magnesium may be linked to high levels of anxiety. However, like with most topics surrounding mental health, further research needs to be done in this area.
It is important to keep our bones happy and healthy in all stages of life. This amazing mineral has been found to do just that in a number of different ways. People with a higher intake of magnesium have greater bone density which can help protect against bone fractures and lower the risks of osteoporosis – a health condition that weakens bones.
Calcium and Vitamin D have also been linked to healthy bones. Checkout our articles on Vegan Calcium Sources and Natural Sources of Vitamin D to learn how you can get a good amount of these vital vitamins and minerals.
Magnesium is just one of the many minerals that are important for regulating blood pressure. Although this process happens naturally, some people with a magnesium deficiency can look to manage their blood pressure levels through food sources of magnesium. For example, a review of 200,000 people found that an increase in dietary magnesium lowered the risk of high blood pressure by 5%.
There’s a wide range of vegan, magnesium rich foods that you can incorporate into a plant based diet. We have created a little list of these foods for you to add to your shopping list:
If you loved this article, then you will enjoy our Nakd ‘magical uses’ series. Read our other blogs on the Magical Uses of Coconut Oil and the Magical Uses of Aloe Vera to be well and truly mind blown!
