Although the mineral magnesium is widespread in the diet, it can be difficult to get as much as you need, because most foods contain only tiny amounts. Some foods, such as almonds, beans and leafy green vegetables, are particularly high in magnesium. If you are trying to meet your daily requirement without taking supplements, it helps to include these magnesium-rich foods in your diet every day.

Magnesium plays several roles in maintaining normal body functions and ensuring good health. Magnesium is part of the structure of individual cell membranes and plays a role in cell signaling and movement within your body. Magnesium also helps metabolize carbohydrates and fat to produce energy, and it is essential for strong bones and teeth. By regulating levels of calcium and other nutrients as they move through your body, magnesium helps you maintain normal blood pressure and keeps your heart rhythm normal. Magnesium also keeps your kidneys filtering properly, your muscles toned and all other organs strong and healthy.

The recommended dietary allowances, or RDAs, for magnesium are 400 mg daily for males who are 19 to 30 years of age and 420 mg for males age 31 and older. For females who are 19 to 30 years of age, the RDA is 310 mg, and for women who are 31 and older the RDA is 320 mg. A U.S. Department of Agriculture study published in a 2006 issue of "The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition" found, however, that the magnesium requirement for healthy adults is actually much lower. This study suggests that 165 mg of magnesium per day is sufficient for both men and women.

Although all nuts are good sources of magnesium, almonds provide more than other varieties. One ounce of dry roasted almonds provides 80 mg of magnesium. In comparison, 1 oz. of dry roasted cashews provides 75 mg, and 1 oz. of dry roasted peanuts provides 50 mg of magnesium.

Besides eating almonds out of your hand, you may use them in almost any recipe that calls for walnuts, pecans or other nuts to increase the amount of magnesium you get in your diet. For example, you may use almonds in place of other nuts to make brownies, cookies and granola mixtures. You may also use almond butter in place of peanut butter or other nut butters. Chopped or slivered almonds may be added to fruit salads, vegetable salads and yogurt. They may also be sprinkled over cooked vegetables, such as green beans or sliced carrots, or over fish before steaming, baking or broiling.