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Magnesium: Benefits and Foods High in Magnesium

Discover Magnesium benefits, top sources for vegans and carnivores and their Magnesium content per 100g.

Luke Gartland avatar
Written by Luke Gartland
Updated over 10 months ago

What is Magnesium?

Magnesium is an essential mineral that plays a critical role in over 300 enzymatic reactions in the human body. It is involved in processes such as energy production, protein synthesis, muscle and nerve function, blood glucose control, and blood pressure regulation.

Benefits of Magnesium

  • Energy Production: Magnesium is crucial for the production of ATP, the body's main energy molecule.

  • Muscle Function: Helps with muscle contraction and relaxation, preventing cramps and spasms.

  • Nerve Function: Supports healthy nerve function and neurotransmitter signaling.

  • Bone Health: Contributes to bone density and overall skeletal health.

  • Heart Health: Helps maintain normal heart rhythm and blood pressure.

Foods High in Magnesium

Here are some foods rich in Magnesium along with their approximate Magnesium content per 100 grams and the percentage of the daily recommended value (DRV) they provide. The DRV for Magnesium is approximately 420 milligrams (mg) for men and 320 mg for women.

Top Sources of Magnesium for Carnivores

  1. Pumpkin Seeds

    • Magnesium content: 592 mg per 100g

    • % of Daily Need: 141% for men, 185% for women

    • Pumpkin seeds are exceptionally high in magnesium.

  2. Cashews

    • Magnesium content: 292 mg per 100g

    • % of Daily Need: 70% for men, 91% for women

    • Cashews are rich in magnesium and protein.

  3. Almonds

    • Magnesium content: 268 mg per 100g

    • % of Daily Need: 64% for men, 84% for women

    • Almonds are a great source of magnesium and healthy fats.

  4. Spinach (Cooked)

    • Magnesium content: 87 mg per 100g

    • % of Daily Need: 21% for men, 27% for women

    • Spinach is a leafy green vegetable high in magnesium.

  5. Salmon

    • Magnesium content: 37 mg per 100g

    • % of Daily Need: 9% for men, 12% for women

    • Salmon provides a moderate amount of magnesium along with omega-3 fatty acids.

Top Sources of Magnesium for Vegans

  1. Pumpkin Seeds

    • Magnesium content: 592 mg per 100g

    • % of Daily Need: 141% for men, 185% for women

    • Pumpkin seeds are exceptionally high in magnesium.

  2. Chia Seeds

    • Magnesium content: 335 mg per 100g

    • % of Daily Need: 80% for men, 105% for women

    • Chia seeds are an excellent plant-based source of magnesium.

  3. Cashews

    • Magnesium content: 292 mg per 100g

    • % of Daily Need: 70% for men, 91% for women

    • Cashews are rich in magnesium and protein.

  4. Almonds

    • Magnesium content: 268 mg per 100g

    • % of Daily Need: 64% for men, 84% for women

    • Almonds are a great source of magnesium and healthy fats.

  5. Spinach (Cooked)

    • Magnesium content: 87 mg per 100g

    • % of Daily Need: 21% for men, 27% for women

    • Spinach is a leafy green vegetable high in magnesium.

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