The Benefits of Calm Magnesium Sprouts
As the cold weather sets in, many people find themselves feeling more anxious or down. However, nature provides us with many mood-boosting foods that can help lift our spirits during the fall and winter months. One such food gaining popularity for its calming effects is sprouts high in magnesium.
Why Magnesium Sprouts Calm and Relax
Magnesium is a mineral that plays an important role in regulating our nervous system and musculoskeletal health. Foods rich in magnesium help the body produce neurotransmitters like serotonin that improve mood and reduce anxiety levels.
Sprouts are a great source of absorbing magnesium because the mineral is bound to amino acids and proteins in the living plant. Popular magnesium-rich sprouts are alfalfa, radish, broccoli, pumpkin, sunflower, and pea shoots.
Other Nutrients in Sprouts That Soothe and Relax
In addition to magnesium, sprouts contain a variety of other vitamins, minerals, and phytochemicals that have calming and relaxing properties:
- Tryptophan - Amino acid that boosts serotonin production
- GABA - Neurotransmitter that reduces anxiety
- Lutein - Antioxidant that protects the brain
- Folate - B vitamin that improves mood
- Potassium - Electrolyte that helps muscles relax
Ways to Enjoy Calm Magnesium Sprouts
There are many delicious ways to incorporate magnesium-rich sprouts into your diet to benefit from their calming effects:
Sprout Salads
Toss sprouts with leafy greens, vegetables, eggs, nuts and healthy dressing for a nutritious salad.
Sprouted Grain Bowls
Pile sprouts on top of quinoa, brown rice or other whole grains along with your favorite toppings.
Sprout Sandwiches and Wraps
Add crunch to sandwiches and wraps by layering in an abundance of sprouts for great texture and flavor.
Blended Sprout Smoothies
Blend sprouts with banana, berries, nut butter and milk of choice for a creamy, protein-packed smoothie.
Best Fall and Winter Foods for Calm and Relaxation
In addition to magnesium sprouts, there are many other nutritious foods that can help boost mood and ease anxiety during the colder months:
Warming Ginger
Ginger contains active compounds like gingerol that reduce inflammation and cortisol levels in the body, leading to a calming effect.
Mood-Lifting Sweet Potato
Sweet potatoes are rich in mood-regulating nutrients like magnesium, potassium, vitamins A, C and D. They pack a comforting, starchy sweetness.
Soothing Salmon
Fatty fish like salmon provide essential omega-3 fatty acids EPA and DHA that modulate the stress response system and dopamine levels.
Relaxing Chamomile Tea
Sipping on a hot cup of chamomile tea triggers your parasympathetic nervous system to promote relaxation and sleepiness through aromatherapy.
Calming Tryptophan-Rich Foods
Foods containing the amino acid tryptophan like turkey, nuts, seeds, beans and tart cherry juice boost serotonin and melatonin levels.
Incorporating Calm Foods into Your Routine
While foods cant cure anxiety or depression, getting a regular dose of nutrients that reduce inflammation, balance hormones and lift mood can help you feel more relaxed and positive.
Aim to include some of these calming ingredients into your meals and snacks every day. For example try starting your morning with a sweet potato breakfast hash with salmon. Drink chamomile tea during your afternoon break, and snack on magnesium sprouts in a wrap later in the day.
Slowly transitioning to a diet filled with mood-regulating foods will help support mental calmness and contentment during stressful times.
FAQs
What are some of the best magnesium-rich sprouts for relaxation?
Some of the top magnesium-rich sprouts are alfalfa, radish, broccoli, pumpkin, sunflower, and pea shoots. These all provide high levels of absorbable magnesium to help calm the nervous system.
Why are sprouts better than supplements for getting magnesium?
The magnesium in sprouts is bound to amino acids and proteins so it is more easily absorbed compared to isolated magnesium supplements. Sprouts also provide many other nutrients and plant compounds that work synergistically for full benefit.
How much magnesium do you need per day for anxiety?
Health organizations recommend getting 320-420 mg of magnesium per day for adults. Reaching the upper end of that range can help modulate mood, reduce anxiety, and improve sleep quality.
What drink goes well with magnesium sprouts?
Some good drink options to pair with magnesium sprouts are chamomile tea, cherry juice, warm nut milk, green smoothies, or sprout-infused water. These provide additional calming and relaxation benefits.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.
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