The body requires magnesium to carry out hundreds of functions, yet nearly 50% of American adults do not consume enough on a daily basis. Failure to consume the recommended daily intake (RDI) of magnesium can increase the risk of developing chronic diseases, such as heart disease, diabetes, high blood pressure, and osteoporosis. Magnesium primarily exists in your bones, muscles, and non-muscular soft tissue. It’s involved in:

• Regulating blood pressure
• Energy production
• Bone density
• Muscle and nerve function
• Synthesizing protein
• Repairing DNA
• Controlling blood sugar

According to dietitians, your daily magnesium needs depend on age and gender. Typically, adult males need 400-420 milligrams (mg) of magnesium per day, while adult females require 310-400 mg per day. Signs of magnesium deficiency vary from minor to severe, but severe magnesium deficiency is quite rare. Common signs include loss of appetite, fatigue, vomiting, and weakness.

Although there are many food sources of magnesium, this article highlights magnesium-rich fruits. Eating these fruits on a regular basis can help you boost magnesium levels. 

Durian

Now, this is a fruit that you’ll either love or hate; there is no straddling the line with this one. The reason for this is because it emits a smell reminiscent of rotten onions and sulfur. Lovely, we know, but it does have health benefits despite the foul aroma. Native to Southeast Asia, durian is a large spiky fruit with a creamy center. Durian is naturally rich in potassium, vitamin C, B vitamins, and magnesium, with one cup offering 17% of the RDI. 

Avocado

Unlike a lot of the other fruits on this list, avocado is relatively low in carbohydrates, which is why many keto enthusiasts enjoy them. They are rich in healthy fats, potassium, fiber, and magnesium, with one cup offering 10.35% of the RDI. Due to their high-fiber content, avocados may help control blood sugar by slowing the absorption of sugar into your bloodstream. The omega-3s also work to promote healthy heart and brain function. 

Prickly Pear

The prickly pear is the fruit that is produced by the Opuntia, commonly referred to as the prickly pear cactus. The oval-shaped fruits have a sweet flavor that is similar to berries. They are naturally rich in vitamin C and potent antioxidant compounds. For reference, one cup of prickly pear provides 23% of the RDI for vitamin C, which supports immune function. Additionally, these fruits are some of the richest fruit sources of magnesium, with one cup offering 30% of the RDI. 

Jackfruit 

This is potentially the largest fruit that you’ll ever see, but you usually have to visit specialty markets to see it in its raw form. Canned jackfruit is available, but it doesn’t compare to the fresh version. Native to India, jackfruit is the largest edible fruit in the world and can weigh up to 110 pounds. One cup of raw jackfruit, which has a subtly sweet taste, contains 11% of the RDI of magnesium. The same serving also provides 16% of the RDI of potassium, which aids blood pressure regulation. 

Bananas

Similar to avocados and jackfruit, bananas offer both magnesium and potassium. One cup of sliced banana offers 9.6% of the RDI of magnesium. Bananas also offer a much-needed vitamin for metabolism, immune function, and neurotransmitter production: vitamin B6. This B vitamin is necessary for encouraging healthy brain development and keeping the nervous and immune systems functioning optimally. 

Papaya

Papain isn’t the only great thing about papaya! As a quick note, papain is a proteolytic enzyme in papaya that helps break down proteins in the digestive system. The papaya is a tropical fruit that also contains carotenoid antioxidants, vitamin C, and folate. Their rich orange color and many of their heart-protective properties are attributed to lycopene, a carotenoid pigment. Now, papaya wouldn’t be on this list without offering up some magnesium. One cup of papaya offers 8.2% of the RDI of magnesium. 

Passion Fruit

This tropical fruit blooms on a vine native to South America. The flower on the vine is one of the most stunning purple and white flowers you’ll ever see! If unripe, the fruit is highly sour, but it is incredibly sweet and highly addictive when perfectly ripe. Some people are averse to the seeds for textural reasons, but they are edible. One cup of passion fruit offers a diverse mix of nutrients, including 16.2% of the RDI of magnesium. It also offers vitamin A, which is necessary for healthy immune function, reproductive health, vision, and normal growth and development. 

Dried Figs

To round out the list of the top eight magnesium-rich fruits, we have dried figs. One cup provides 24% of the RDI of magnesium, in addition to 50% of the RDI of fiber. Dried figs also provide vitamin B6, calcium, and an assortment of polyphenol antioxidants, which offer protections against cellular damage.

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Pooping is something everyone does on a daily basis, ideally once or twice per day, but nobody wants to talk about it. We love to talk about it! If you aren’t eliminating on a regular basis, then something is going on, be it poor eating habits, insufficient exercise, stress, or a digestive problem. Whatever the case may be, it can be quite frustrating (and painful) if you cannot poop.

According to available data, constipation affects 18% of adults in the United States. It is a common issue that people of all ages can experience and it has various causes. Lack of fiber, delaying bowel movements, traveling, certain medications, and hormonal changes can all cause constipation. It can also be a symptom of other health conditions and some common symptoms include:

• Fewer than three bowel movements per week
• Hard, dry, or lumpy stools
• Straining during bowel movements
• Bloating or abdominal pain
• Feeling like you still need to eliminate after using the toilet

What you eat can have a big impact on digestive function. Certain foods can also help you improve symptoms of constipation. Foods that are naturally rich in fiber, fluids, and natural laxatives can make stool easier to eliminate. Enjoy the following foods to help stimulate bowel movements. 

Mangos

The mango is a juicy, tropical fruit that is a staple in many smoothie, dessert, and salad recipes. You can also cube it up to use it as a topping for acai bowls or chia pudding recipes. According to several studies, mangos can aid with constipation relief. Mangos are naturally rich in fiber, which adds bulk to stool, allowing it to move more easily through the digestive system. One study found that participants who ate 300 grams of mango (about one to two mangos) per day over four weeks saw an improvement in constipation. 

Kiwi

As a vitamin C superstar, kiwi is an excellent fruit to help boost immune function. It may also be an effective constipation remedy, as it is naturally rich in soluble and insoluble fiber. Soluble fiber helps optimize gut microbiome, while insoluble fiber helps maintain regular bowel movements, but you can click here to learn more about the difference between them. Several studies indicate that kiwis work to improve complete spontaneous bowel movements (CSBMs), bowel habits, and transit time. Researchers attribute the constipation relieving abilities to the fiber content in kiwis. Another study found that eating two kiwis per day can reduce abdominal discomfort and improve constipation. 

Figs

These soft, sweet, fruits are not for everyone, but they do help relieve symptoms of constipation. They are less popular than apples and prunes for improving bowel movements, but studies show that fig paste can improve transit time and stool consistency. One study monitored people with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) who ate four dried figs per day reported a decrease in symptoms of constipation, including hard stools, compared to those who ate a placebo. 

Apples

According to surveys, apples are the most consumed fruit in the United States. They are naturally rich in pectin, a type of soluble fiber that works to improve the transit time of food in the digestive system. Pectin helps to absorb water in the digestive tract, which creates larger, softer stools that are easier to eliminate. Researchers note that supplementing with pectin can increase colon transit time and decrease constipation symptoms. 

Prunes

Potentially one of the most effective constipation remedies, prunes are rich in fiber and sorbitol, making them a natural laxative that can stimulate bowel movements. Studies indicate that prunes significantly improve stool consistency and increase the number of CSBMs when compared to psyllium, another form of soluble fiber that is occasionally used as a laxative. 

Psyllium

To round out the list of foods that help you poop, we have psyllium. Psyllium can come in husk or powder form, and supplement manufacturers use it in laxatives because it increases the bulk of stool. It does this by drawing in water to ease the passage of stool. According to several studies, psyllium can reduce straining, improve stool frequency and consistency, and reduce stomach pain. Although psyllium isn’t as effective as prunes, it is a natural laxative to experiment with if you have a prune allergy. 

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When you adhere to a raw vegan, you need snacks that fill you up and taste good. You don’t want to eat snacks that taste bland or drink beverages that taste like lawn clippings. We strive to provide all of you with recipes that have incredible depth of flavor. The worst thing you can do while cleansing is eat tasteless or boring meals and snacks. Not only does that make you disinterested in raw vegan foods, but it also increases your likelihood of cheating with unhealthy foods.

These homemade fig bars are filling and unlike store bought versions, they do not contain artificial flavors, preservatives, or added sugars. You know the ones, right? The brand name rhymes with Schmig Toopins. Separately, figs and almonds are nutritious snacks that you can enjoy any day of the week. Each of these foods provides a unique set of nutrients that can help you meet your daily nutritional needs. Together,

Now, you won’t be using fresh figs for these fig bars, though. You’ll use dried figs, and we recommend that you get dried Smyrna figs for optimum flavor. The kiss of citrus that you get from the orange zest in every bite is simply wonderful. And the best part about these fig bars is that you don’t get the inevitable sugar crash that comes from store bought varieties. The reason for this is because these contain fiber, healthy fats, and protein without the added sugars that cause blood sugar spikes. Just don’t go crazy on them because they aren’t low in calories.

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A nutritional survey found that about 95% Americans do not meet their recommended daily intake (RDI) of fiber. The RDI of fiber ranges from 21-38 grams, depending on your age and gender. Most people have a lot of room for improvement on this nutrient, which plays an essential role in regulating bowel movements, nurturing the gut, and filling you up. In this article, we detail easy ways to add more fiber to your diet. 

Try Chickpea Pasta

It’s hard not to love pasta, especially because you can usually throw a recipe together in 30 minutes or less. The unfortunate reality is that most people use jarred sauce (full of sodium) and boxed pasta enriched with poor quality ingredients. Instead of feeling tired and bloated, consider switching to chickpea pasta to increase your fiber intake. Two ounces of chickpea pasta (about one cup of noodles) offers eight grams of fiber, which is a major increase from two grams of fiber from regular pasta. Chickpea pasta also has twice the protein content as regular pasta and it’s gluten-free!

Add Lentils To Grain Bowls

You can easily customize grain bowls, but a lot of people like to use rice as the base. Rice, even brown rice, is not the best source of fiber. One cup of brown rice offers 1.6 grams of fiber, while a mere half-cup of lentils offers eight grams of fiber. If you enjoy rice, consider a lentil-rice mixture to enhance the fiber content of your grain bowl. Plus, a half-cup of lentils offers nine grams of protein, and a good portion of the fiber in lentils comes from prebiotics, which feed the probiotics in your gut. 

Blend Kiwis Into Your Smoothies

Kiwis have an incredible vitamin C content and they are bursting with antioxidants. They also contain fiber, with two kiwis offering four to five grams, depending on the size. Half of that fiber content, however, is concentrated in the skin. Most people do not enjoy snacking on fuzzy kiwi skin, though. In order to reap all the fiber benefits of kiwis, toss a couple whole kiwis into your smoothie. You won’t even taste the skin!

Eat Chia Pudding With Berries

Most dietitians agree that breakfast is the best meal of the day to load up on fiber-rich foods. In doing so, you will be full and energized until lunch, avoiding unnecessary snacking. Both chia seeds and berries contain a lot of fiber, despite their small size. A half-cup of raspberries and one tablespoon of chia seeds provide four grams of fiber, each. We have many chia pudding recipes available in our recipe section (click here) if you need some inspiration. 

Snack On Nuts And Figs

Each fig, depending on the size, generally provides one gram of fiber, and one serving of figs is roughly between three to five fruits. Pair those figs with a quarter-cup of almonds for four more grams of fiber and six grams of protein. That makes almonds and figs an ideal snack to give you a natural pick-me-up and fill you up between meals. 

Add Pears To Your Salads

Pears are sneaky fiber superstars, with one medium pear offering five to six grams of fiber. Can you enjoy pears as healthy snacks from time to time? Sure, but adding them to salads can give you a better fiber bang for your buck. Pair your pears with kale (one gram of fiber per cup) and other fiber-rich ingredients for a filling, lunchtime salad!

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Could we have posted another green smoothie? Yes. Will we post another green smoothie recipe in the future? Also, yes. Given that fall is in full swing, we wanted to take the road less traveled and provide you with a unique, seasonal smoothie. Although fig season is coming to a close, you can still snag a few before they disappear from supermarket shelves. They are great fall fruits chock full of sweet flavor and nutrients.

Once you take a sip of this fig smoothie, you’ll be reminded of the classic childhood snack, FigNewtons. The main difference is that this smoothie contains autumnal spices, and it is much healthier for you. No processed ingredients in this smoothie! It works great as a filling breakfast option, but you can also enjoy it as an afternoon snack, or post-workout beverage.

Because figs have a brief shelf life, you have to pick them properly. Fresh figs that are slightly soft will spoil within a week of harvesting. Once you purchase them from the grocery store, you have about three to four days to use them. Ideally, choose figs that are clean, dry, and smooth with unbroken skin. You want the fruit to be soft to the touch, but not mushy. Additionally, use your nose to smell a sweet or sour flavor. If the figs smell sour, they have already begun to ferment and spoil.

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What is one thing that most leafy greens have in common? They tend to have a slightly bitter flavor profile, which is why you incorporate other seasonings, fruits, or vegetables into the mix when preparing them. Some leafy greens, like spinach, have milder flavor profiles and don’t assert themselves in smoothies or salads. In the case of a bag of mixed greens, you often get a collection of greens that can exhibit peppery and bitter flavors. That’s why you need something sweet to balance your salad, making figs the perfect addition to a mixed green salad.

Figs have a rich, sweet flavor that is like a cross between raspberry and honey. The soft chew texture and fragrant aroma make them quite addictive, with some varieties being sweeter than others. Figs that ripen later in the season may even have a spicier or savory taste. Because of their complex flavor profile, figs make for excellent additions to sweet and savory dishes.

You can’t just have a salad of mixed greens and figs, though. The dressing has to be on point when you salad ingredient list is short. Liven up the parter with a slightly sweet apple cider vinaigrette that has mustard powder. It’s almost like a honey mustard dressing, only it’s cleanse-approved and free of preservatives, unhealthy fats, and added sugars. We hope you enjoy it! Oh, and if you can’t find fresh figs, feel free to incorporate dried figs into your salad, so long as they are free of preservatives and added sugars.

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Figs are popular fruits that date back to ancient times in the Middle East. They thrive in regions with mild winters around the world and are considered a backyard delicacy. There are thousands of varieties, given that figs were one of the first plants that humans cultivated. Since those times, people have used figs to help treat numerous health conditions. Figs may benefit the digestive, reproductive, endocrine, and respiratory systems, and this article aims to explore their other surprising health benefits.

What Are Figs?

The ficus tree, which bears figs, is a member of the mulberry family. Figs offer a uniquely sweet taste with a soft and chewy texture with edible seeds. Fresh figs perish easily, which is why drying them is a popular mode of preservation. They look like bulbous teardrops and are rich in natural sugars. In the days before refined sugars, ancient societies used figs as natural sweeteners. They are rich in antioxidants, potassium, complex carbohydrates, calcium, magnesium, and iron.

Throughout history, figs have been a staple of good health in many cultures. Although some of the health benefits are merely anecdotal, various studies prove that figs help the body in many ways. Continue reading and you may find that figs can take your health to the next level. 

May Support Blood Pressure

It’s no secret that the average American consumes too much salt and processed foods, which contributes to a higher risk of high blood pressure. Often times, eating a lot of sodium-rich foods can deplete potassium levels and create an imbalance. When you eat more potassium, you can help manage blood pressure naturally. One animal study found that fig extract was able to reduce blood pressure in animals with hypertensive readings. Figs are great sources of potassium, so consider adding them to your diet if you have high blood pressure.

May Prevent Cell Damage

The antioxidant profile of figs is quite impressive, according to several research studies. These studies were able to identify phytochemical compounds, including phenolic acids and flavonoids, in both fresh and dried figs. Darker figs have a higher antioxidant content than lighter figs, and they may contain more polyphenols than green tea. Researchers claim that antioxidants may prevent or minimize cell damage that free radicals cause. Free radicals are in environmental toxins, cigarette smoke, air pollution, and more. An overabundance of free radicals can damage cells, but consuming foods rich in antioxidants may prevent this from happening. 

May Improve Bone Health

Calcium and magnesium are two minerals that keep your bones healthy and strong. Figs happen to be excellent sources of both of these minerals. About a half-cup of dried figs contains as much calcium as a half-cup of milk. Figs also contain strontium, which is a compound that may contribute to healthier bones. A patented form of strontium is often prescribed to postmenopausal women to treat osteoporosis. 

May Improve Digestive Health

Some people consume figs to encourage a bowel movement. This is because they help to nourish the intestines and have mild laxative properties, due to the high fiber content. The fiber in figs has prebiotic properties, which feed healthy gut bacteria to promote a healthier microbiome. One study monitored people who had irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) with predominant constipation (IBS-C). The participants ate figs for four months in a controlled environment, and the study concluded that figs may alleviate IBS-C symptoms. 

May Have Anti-Cancer Properties

As we mentioned earlier, figs have an impressive antioxidant profile. An accumulation of free radicals in the body can increase the risk of developing cancer, as they damage cells. One research study identified several antioxidant compounds in figs that may fight cancer. The preliminary in-vitro study found that fig extracts exhibited powerful anti-cancer activity against breast cancer cells. More research is still necessary to determine if they are effective against other types of cancer. 

May Improve Sexual Health

There are certain plants that are naturally rich in aphrodisiac properties. There are many anecdotal reports about people consuming figs to increase arousal and sexual function. One animal study tested the aphrodisiac properties of figs, cinnamon, and earth smoke in rats. The rats received a mixture of these plants and experienced an increase in sexual activity. It was, however, difficult to determine exactly which of the three plants was responsible for the boost in sexual activity. More research is necessary to determine if figs improve sexual health in humans. That being said, many doctors recommend that men with erectile dysfunction consume figs to improve the condition. 

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Figs are some of our favorite summer produce items, but they rarely get the attention they deserve. They have an inherent sweetness, so they can withstand strong flavors like the balsamic vinegar in this recipe. Additionally, figs contain a variety of nutrients, including phosphorus, potassium, manganese, and vitamins A, B1, and B2. People consume more dried figs than fresh figs, but we hope to change your view of fresh figs with this recipe. It is not cleanse-approved, but it is a great post-cleanse recipe. Get your hands on fresh figs while they are in season!

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This is a healthy twist on those classic fig bars, but you don’t have to worry about sugars or unhealthy ingredients when you snack on these bites. They are gluten-free, paleo-friendly, and the perfect snack to power you through your cleanse.

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When things start to slow down in the bedroom, people naturally want to counteract the downward turn and reignite the passion. You can easily take action and kickstart your sex life by focusing on foods that function as aphrodisiacs. The foods in this article help spark the romance between you and your partner. Continue reading to see what’s on the menu.

Figs

Figs are sweet, succulent, and have been sexualized throughout history because they help to enhance libido. Both men and women can benefit from consuming figs because they are rich in amino acids, which help to improve sexual function. Some studies determined that figs are natural aphrodisiacs. Consume them dried or fresh to reap the benefits.

Spinach

Attention men: if you are failing to perform in the bedroom, spinach could be the right vegetable for you. The high magnesium levels help to increase blood flow by reducing blood vessel inflammation, which improves circulation. Guys who include spinach on their dinner plate can help increase blood flow to sexual organs for better performance in the bedroom.

Avocados

Has your sex life hit a dry spell? It’s time to add avocados to your diet because they help bring a fiery passion to the bedroom. Avocados are rich in vitamin B6, which helps to boost libido and put a little more pep in your step. Additionally, avocados contain vitamin E, a necessary antioxidant that promotes healthier blood flow to increase sex drive.

Pomegranates

In addition to the mood enhancing benefits, pomegranates contain powerful polyphenols that enhance blood flow to the heart. How does this help? Not only does this help you stay engaged in the passion for longer, but it also keeps you in the mood. If you haven’t noticed by now, healthy blood flow is necessary for late night fun to ensue.

Truffles

There is something enchanting about the musky scent of truffles. It’s weird, but studies show that this musk helps turn you on. The alpha-androstenol compound in truffles acts as a pheromone, which is the scent that humans detect on other humans, increasing attraction. Even though they are pricey, get your hands on some real truffles to get things going.

Chili Pepper

Isn’t it fitting that a spicy food made it on a list of foods that spice things up in the bedroom? Red chilies are known for their ability to boost metabolism, but they rarely get attention for their sexual benefits. Some of these benefits relate to the physical response that results from eating spicy food. Heart rate increases and you begin to sweat. Do you see where we are going with this?

Asparagus

Even though it makes your pee smell weird, asparagus is great for late night bedroom activity. The phallic shape of asparagus spears may have something to do with the aphrodisiac status. Asparagus contains vitamin B6, which helps increase arousal and contributes to more intense orgasms for men and women.

Strawberries

Strawberries are sexy, plain and simple, but they also taste great and benefit your health in more ways than one. They contain high levels of zinc, which helps you last longer in the bedroom. Zinc works to boost testosterone levels, which can improve sexual performance. Make sure to enjoy this healthy dessert before you get to the real dessert.

In conclusion, the foods you eat can either dampen or enhance libido. A poor diet can lead to numerous health complications, so it is best consume healthier foods for a healthier sex life. Erectile dysfunction, low sex drive, and vaginal dryness are all linked to poor diet, so eat the right foods to help improve sexual function.

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