There are a lot of reasons to avoid or limit processed foods, whether you might find them packaged on grocery shelves or in the frozen convenience foods sections. One of the better arguments: You rob the body of dietary magnesium, which help prevent gallstones, relieve migraines, lower high blood pressure, reduce the risk of kidney stones and protect against bone loss in post-menopause.
A new study at the University of Kentucky Medical Center shows a diet rich in magnesium can reduce the probability of gallstones among individuals at increased risks from a family history of the conditon. This is important because the American diet in the last two to three decades has been declining. MIT scientists have reported that up to half of all American adults do not get enough magnesium on an average daily basis.
The Kentucky researchers found that not getting enough magnesium can increase your triglycerides and lower HDL or good cholesterol. It adds up to compromising health on many fronts. They studied more than 42,000 men over a decade. Other studies have confirmed the potency of dietary magnesium.
There is a simple solution: Eat more plant-based foods to up your intake of fiber.
