While vitamins and minerals can be ingested via supplements, the best and most natural way to ensure that you have enough of them in your diet is to choose healthy foods – especially vegetables – that include these vitamins and minerals.
Many people do not realize how important magnesium is to their overall health, despite the fact that magnesium is the fourth most common mineral in the body.
Magnesium deficiency can lead to numerous issues, such as fatigue and mood disorders.
Having the optimal amount of magnesium can help to prevent diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and even issues such as migraine headaches, anxiety, and depression.
There are many things that can cause magnesium deficiency.
The most obvious reason a persons magnesium levels might be low is simply because they are not eating enough of these magnesium-rich foods on a regular basis.
However, issues such as irritable bowel syndrome and excessive alcohol consumption can also be a factor in magnesium deficiency.
Regardless of why your magnesium levels might be low, there are a number of great, delicious vegetables that you can begin incorporating into your diet to ensure that you are maintaining your optimal health and preventing many of the issues associated with low magnesium levels.
1. Spinach
This dark, leafy green can be consumed in many different ways. While raw is always best – in salads and on sandwiches, for example – spinach can also be steamed or cooked into pasta for a quick, magnesium rich dietary addition.
There are over 150 mg of magnesium per cup of this leafy green, making it one of the best sources of this mineral available.
2. Broccoli
With 33 mg per cup, broccoli isn’t as rich in magnesium as spinach, but is still a great source of magnesium that can be utilized in many different ways. Whether served raw or cooked, it’s a delicious and nutritious magnesium source.
3. Squash
It’s not just the leafy greens that can provide plenty of healthy magnesium to your body. A little over 40 mg can be found in every cup of squash, so when you’re tired of all the green veggies choose squash as a side.
4. Okra
At a smidge over 70 mg per cup, okra is a great source of magnesium.
While it’s probably best to stay away from fried okra, delicious as it may be, it can be served in many different ways.
5. Beet Greens
Though they aren’t the most common type of green, beet greens deserve a second look, as they contain a whopping 100 mg per cup of magnesium.
Think of serving them as you would any other types of leafy greens, whether raw or cooked.
6. Pumpkin
The biggest benefit of pumpkin? It can be served as a savory option or a delicious dessert.
At almost 60 mg per cup, there is plenty of magnesium to be had in pumpkin, no matter how you have it.
7. Peas
With a little over 70 mg of magnesium, peas are a great source of this mineral.
Whether you have them as a side, choose split pea soup, or have peas mixed in with pasta or a salad, there are tons of ways to enjoy these veggies.
8. Cucumbers
Another versatile favorite, cucumbers contain a decent 40 mg per cup of magnesium.
Eat them raw, mix them into a salad, or choose any other delicious recipe containing cucumbers. There are plenty of options available.
9. Collard Greens
A soul food favorite, collard greens are delicious and flavorful, and at a little over 50 mg of magnesium per cup offer plenty of magnesium.