Turmeric is a plant with a tuberous root similar in appearance to ginger. Although you can use it fresh, in the United States the tuber is mostly available dried and ground to flavor and color foods. Turmeric root provides nutrients, including magnesium. But since you use it in a small quantity -- about 1 teaspoon per dish -- you cannot rely on it to supply the nourishment you need.
Magnesium in Turmeric
According to U.S. Department of Agriculture, 1 teaspoon of ground turmeric has 4 milligrams of magnesium. The impact that content has on your health is small, considering that a newborn requires 30 milligrams of magnesium daily and an adult male needs 420 milligrams. Aim at eating additional foods that also provide the mineral to complement the spice.
Complementing Turmeric
Foods high in magnesium include halibut, almonds, cashews, soy and spinach. One serving of any of them provides 20 percent of the recommended daily intake for the mineral, based on a 2,000-calorie diet. Oatmeal, peanuts and unpeeled baked potatoes have less of the nutrient, but are still good sources. Bananas, beans, lentils and dairy also contain magnesium. When you add turmeric to lentils or use it to spice a halibut fillet, for instance, you increase your mineral intake in just one meal.
Magnesium’s Function
Several hundred processes that take place inside your body are only possible when magnesium is present. The nutrient collaborates with calcium to create strong bones. It also makes it possible for your muscles to move and your nerve cells to transmit brain messages. In addition, the mineral maintains glucose and blood pressure within normal ranges, and it helps your body to extract energy from foods.
Deficiency Dangers
It is important to regularly take in more magnesium than 1 teaspoon of ground turmeric provides to prevent hypomagnesemia. The condition refers to an abnormally low level of the nutrient in the bloodstream. Hypomagnesemia leads to neurological problems that can manifest as involuntary eye movement, convulsions and muscle and nerve dysfunction.
References
- University of Maryland Medical Center; Turmeric; Steven D. Ehrlich, N.M.D.; May 4, 2011
- USDA Agricultural Research Service: Search the USDA National Nutrient Database for Standard Reference
- Office of Dietary Supplements: Magnesium
- PubMed Health; Hypomagnesemia; David C. Dugdale, III, M.D., et al.; May 29, 2011
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