Magnesium Rich Foods

By: Lara Stewart

Break Studios Contributing Writer

A diet high in magnesium rich foods is important in keeping yourself in optimum health. Magnesium is important for strong bones, a robust immune system and hundreds of other bodily functions. While supplements are an option, you should also consume magnesium rich foods in order to get the most benefit. Here is our list magnesium rich foods that should be a part of your daily diet.

  1. Nuts. An ounce of almonds or cashews provides 20% of the RDA of magnesium. Other nuts are nearly as magnesium rich. Try eating them out of hand, or adding them to dishes for crunch and flavor.
  2. Leafy greens. There are 75 milligrams of magnesium in half a cup of cooked spinach. Spinach is great in soups, as part of the sauce for pasta, or in an Indian curry. Keeping a bag of frozen cut leaf spinach in your freezer makes it easy to incorporate magnesium rich foods into your diet.
  3. Halibut. Besides being low in fat, halibut is also a great source of magnesium. A cooked three ounce filet provides 90 milligrams of the mineral. Try topping it with spinach in a dish such as Halibut Florentine to get a double serving of magnesium rich food.
  4. Soybeans. These beans are highly versatile, and can be consumed green as edamame, cooked as dried beans, or made into tofu. Try using dried soybeans in a soup to add this magnesium rich food to your repertoire.
  5. Potatoes. A baked potato contains 50 milligrams of magnesium. Baked potatoes make a great base for quick and easy meals. Try stuffing them with anything from chili to pizza toppings for a wholesome and delicious meal on a busy night.
  6. Whole grains. Whole grains like wheat are a great source of magnesium. Be aware, however, that when wheat is refined into white flour, the magnesium rich parts -- the bran and the germ -- are removed. Many medical professionals recommend that you swap out white flour for whole grain for a number of additional health reasons anyway. That whole wheat is a magnesium rich food is just a bonus.
Posted on: Mar. 24, 2011