Five magnesium-rich foods for stress relief
You can't find a matching sock in your pile of fresh laundry. Traffic was insane. The barista forgot to put almond milk in your coffee. The smallest things can induce mental and physical anxiety. Just trying to be "stress-free" is stressful. The human body is equipped to accommodate these bouts of pressure, but what exactly does it need to stay in fighting shape? Magnesium.
Next to your vitamin c and iron supplements, magnesium doesn't seem like a champion player, but stress requires a constant flow of adrenaline, which relies on magnesium. You can experience irritability, fatigue, restlessness, and headaches, which in effect, reduces your magnesium even more. The cycle continues, but there's hope.
Here are five foods that will help you to your happy place.
1. Dark ChocolateThe average adult needs 310-420 mg of magnesium per day. A one-ounce serving of dark chocolate has 64 mg alone. Now you know why this sugary treat can give you a boost of energy.
Read about 5 Heart-Healthy Foods.
2. Avocados
The demand for avocados is on the rise! It may be worth paying the extra dollar to top off your bowl with this creamy fruit, which provides 15% of your daily recommended magnesium. It has also shown to reduce inflammation and improve cholesterol levels.
Read about 10 Seasonal Superfoods.
3. Leafy Greens
Salad lovers delight! Kale, spinach, mustard greens, and collard greens are just some of the leafy super foods that support a happy body. They can provide as much as 157 mg or 40% of your RDI. They are also full of vitamin a, c, k, and iron, which do everything from improving eye function to relaxing muscles.
Read more about Eat your Greens.
4. Nuts
Nuts have become the holy grail of healthy snacks, and for good reason. They help curb your appetite while satisfying your need for monounsaturated fats (the good kind!). Fight off depression and migraines with almonds, brazil nuts, and even peanut butter.
Read more about Nuts.
5. Legumes
A high daily magnesium intake can reduce your risk of diabetes by a staggering 33%. Legumes like lentils, peas, beans, and soybeans can provide up to 120 mg in one serving. They are also powerful sources of protein, and can improve blood sugar levels.
Sources:https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/Magnesium-Consumer/
https://www.everydayhealth.com/pictures/foods-high-in-magnesium/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5452159/
