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Study Says Magnesium Is Essential In Fight Against Cancer: 5 Foods High In Magnesium

Researchers have also found that immunotherapies are less effective in patients with insufficient levels of magnesium in their blood.

Written by Longjam Dineshwori | Updated : January 20, 2022 4:23 PM IST

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T Cells Need Magnesium To Operate Efficiently

Deficiency of magnesium is associated with a variety of diseases, including infections and cancer. A new study by researchers from the University of Basel and University Hospital Basel has also concluded that the level magnesium in the blood is an important factor in the fight against cancer. In their paper published in the journal Cell, the researchers stated that T cells need a sufficient quantity of magnesium to operate efficiently. In experimental models, they found that T cells can eliminate abnormal or infected cells efficiently only in a magnesium-rich environment. The immune response of T cells against cancer cells was strengthened when they increase the local concentration of magnesium in tumors. In addition, the researchers found that immunotherapies were less effective in patients with insufficient levels of magnesium in their blood. However, the existing data is not enough to answer if a regular intake of magnesium can reduce the risk for developing cancer.

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Recommended Daily Magnesium Intake

According to the Cleveland Clinic, the recommended dietary allowance for magnesium is 400-420 mg per day for adult men and 310-320 mg per day adult women. While magnesium present in food is not harmful and does not need to be limited, magnesium in dietary supplements and medications should not be taken above the upper limit, unless recommended by a healthcare provider, it says. Below are 5 magnesium-rich foods That you can include in your diet.  Also Read - Innovative Insulin Implant Could Redefine The Future Of Diabetes Management: Here's Everything You Need To Know

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Seeds

Seeds, particularly pumpkin seeds, contain high amounts of magnesium. A 1-ounce (28-gram) serving of pumpkin seeds contains 150 mg magnesium, which is 37 per cent of the RDI. In addition, seeds are rich in antioxidants, iron, monounsaturated fat and omega-3 fatty acids.

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Legumes

Legumes that include lentils, beans, chickpeas, peas and soybeans are rich sources of magnesium. From a 1-cup serving of cooked black beans, one can get 120 mg of magnesium, which is 30 per cent of the RDI.

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Dark Chocolate

Dark chocolate is another magnesium-rich food, with 64 mg in a 1-ounce (28-gram) serving. Dark chocolate is also loaded with antioxidants that neutralize free radicals, which can damage your cells and lead to disease.