Nutrients Protect Against Heart and Circulatory Diseases

Calcium can build up on artery walls, raising chances for heart disease, high blood pressure, and type 2 diabetes. Earlier studies found a link between low levels of magnesium and calcium buildup in coronary arteries in those with chronic kidney disease, but doctors wanted to know more about magnesium and calcium buildup in healthy people.

 

In this study, doctors measured magnesium levels in 1,276 men and women who were free from symptoms of cardiovascular disease. Compared to those with the lowest levels, those with the highest circulating levels of magnesium were 48 percent less likely to have high blood pressure, 69 percent less likely to have type 2 diabetes, and 42 percent less likely to have calcium buildup in coronary arteries.

 

Reference: Nutrition Journal; 2016, Vol. 15, No. 22, Published Online

 

List of Foods With Magnesium

In fact, foods that have lots of magnesium including:

• dark leafy green vegetables such as spinach and chard
• seeds such as pumpkin seeds, and nuts such as almonds
• real yogurt and kefir
• whole grains such as buckwheat groats
• legumes such as black beans
• fruits such as bananas and figs
• avocadoes
• certain fatty fish such as salmon
• tofu
• and most importantly: dark chocolate!