Magnesium is useful for a multitude of conditions such as high blood pressure, asthma, muscle cramps, stress, tension and insomnia. If you are taking a supplement it will take about six weeks to achieve increased levels in the body.
Factors affecting magnesium levels:
- Low levels in soil
- Refined foods e.g. milling of flour
- Oxalic acid in raw spinach and chard reduces absorption
- Phytic acid in grains and legumes, that are not correctly prepared, reduces absorption
- High alcohol intake will increase magnesium excretion
Sources of magnesium:
Alfalfa
Almonds
Apples
Apricots
Avocado
Banana
Black eye peas/beans
Brazil nuts
Brewers yeast
Broccoli
Cantaloupe
Cashew nuts
Dairy products
Figs
Garlic
Grapefruit
Green leafy vegetables
Kelp
Legumes
Lima beans
Millet
Molasses blackstrap
Nuts
Oats
Pecans
Prunes
Rice – brown
Seeds
Sesame seeds
Soya beans
Sunflower seeds
Tofu
Watercress
Wheat
Wheatgerm
Whole grains