Special must-eat nutrient for women

Make magnesium an important part of your diet.

Here is Why:

If you don't get enough magnesium (500 mg daily) you are going to suffer from chocolate cravings (since cocoa and chocolate are rich magnesium sources).

Low magnesium also means you are:

Going to feel foul. It worsens PMS symptoms and cramps.

Leads to osteoporosis

Linked to kidney stones (it will allow thick deposits of calcium to deposit where we do not want it, like the kidney and take it away from where we want it, the bones).

Causes heart problems, high BP, diabetes, strokes -- scourges of Indian women world over.

Causes 'restless leg syndrome', muscle spasms.

Attention deficit, depression and other nerve-related ailments.

Irritable bowel syndrome, vomiting.

May cause early menopause and worsens normal menopausal symptoms.

Linked to infertility and other issues of the uro-genital system.

Poor nail growth.

Causes fast heart beats, leading to anxiety and panic attacks.

Foods rich in magnesium:

Tofu, legumes, whole grains, green leafy vegetables, wheat bran, soybean flour, almonds, cashews, blackstrap molasses, pumpkin and squash seeds, pistachio, walnuts, peanuts, whole wheat flour, oat flour, beet greens, spinach, bran cereals, oatmeal, bananas, and baked potatoes (with skin) and most herbs and spices.

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After reading this article on rediff, I realised a few facts about my craving for chocolate especially before my chums; and once I looked at what can happen with a magnesium deficiency, I realised I did suffer from some of them like foul mood, horrid PMS symptoms, cramps, restless leg syndrome, cramps in my leg muscles.
I also had hair loss, it was caused due to iron deficiency.

I consulted my doctor, and she put me on a multivitamin and vit-e tablet daily and an iron capsule on alternate days. Since starting this course, all the symptoms listed away have vanished and I feel energetic, in good mood :)
The hair fall is also in check.

I do eat one banana daily in the morning. I know a lot of ladies who do not eat banana due to it's high calorie count, but I think if you look at the mineral and vitamin content it is a must for all ladies to have one. Also having it in the morning along with your wheat-flakes and skimmed milk makes it easier to burn off the calories during the day.