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44 Manganese Rich Foods, Fruits & Vegetables to Include in Your Diet

Securing enough minerals which are important for the body like manganese is vital to overall health and well-being. Among other functions, Manganese is essential for metabolism, bone strength and ensuring that the body has enough antioxidants to defend itself. It is possible to ensure that you get enough manganese from your diet by including foods rich in manganese such as fruits and vegetables as well as other sources of this necessary element. 

This guide presents diverse sources of manganese rich food classes ranging from fruits and vegetables to nuts, seeds, cereals and animal-based food products linking you with a comprehensive map to improve your dietary intake and support your wellness journey.

What is Manganese?

Manganese is a trace mineral that is essential for our body and it plays important roles in many of the body functions. It acts as a cofactor for many enzymes involved in metabolism, antioxidant defence, bone development, and wound healing. 

Adequate intake of manganese is important for overall health, but excessive consumption should be avoided as it may lead to toxicity symptoms.

What are the Sources of Manganese?

Manganese can be found in various foods, including fruits, vegetables, nuts, seeds, whole grains and legumes. Some of the richest sources of manganese include spinach and kale (leafy green vegetables), almonds and pecans (nuts), pumpkin seeds & sesame seeds (seeds), and brown rice & oats (whole grains). Further, some fruits, such as berries, like pineapple or avocados, contain manganese. Therefore, these varieties should include adequate intake of high levels of manganese.

Top 44 Food Items High in Manganese

Manganese is a trace mineral that is essential for our body and it plays important roles in many of the body functions. It acts as a cofactor for many enzymes involved in metabolism, antioxidant defence, bone development, and wound healing. 

Adequate intake of manganese is important for overall health, but excessive consumption should be avoided as it may lead to toxicity symptoms.

List of Manganese Rich Vegetables

Feeding on different types of vegetables which contain high contents of this element can support overall healthiness. The following vegetables are rich in manganese; hence they offer alternatives for meal diversification while improving nutrient-intake capability!

SNo. Vegetables Manganese content (per 100 grams)
1 Spinach 0.9 mg per 100 grams
2 Kale 0.6 mg per 100 grams
3 Swiss Chard 0.4 mg per 100 grams
4 Beet Greens 0.3 mg per 100 grams
5 Collard Greens 0.2 mg per 100 grams
6 Brussels Sprouts 0.2 mg per 100 grams
7 Broccoli 0.2 mg per 100 grams
8 Asparagus 0.2 mg per 100 grams
9 Green Beans 0.2 mg per 100 grams
10 Mustard Greens 0.2 mg per 100 grams

List of Fruits Rich in Manganese

Fruits besides containing important nutrients also serve as a source for Manganese. This section is going to cover various fruits, which have an abundance of manganese; thus providing you with a choice on your diet for a healthy life.

SNo. Fruits Description
11 Pineapple 0.9 mg per 100 grams
12 Avocado 0.7 mg per 100 grams
13 Raspberries 0.7 mg per 100 grams
14 Strawberries 0.4 mg per 100 grams
15 Blueberries 0.3 mg per 100 grams
16 Kiwi 0.1 mg per 100 grams
17 Pomegranate 0.1 mg per 100 grams
18 Cantaloupe 0.1 mg per 100 grams

List of Cereals and Dairy Products Containing Manganese

Milk products and cereals are consumed by so many people hence serving as great sources of manganese. Below are different cereals and dairy products that have considerable amounts of manganese in them making it easier for you to avail nutritionally complete meals at all times.

SNo. Cereals and Dairy Products Description 
19 Oats (cooked) 0.5 mg per 100 grams
20 Brown Rice (cooked) 0.5 mg per 100 grams
21 Whole Wheat Bread 0.4 mg per 100 grams
22 Almond Milk 0.2 mg per 100 grams
23 Yoghurt (plain, low-fat) 0.1 mg per 100 grams
24 Cheese 0.1 mg per 100 grams

List of Seeds and Nuts Rich in Manganese

Seeds, and nuts being very nutritious foods contain good fats and proteins as well as manganese which is an essential mineral. We will showcase seeds and nuts that have high levels of manganese present in them thus giving you snack options that can be used alone or added to other dishes.

SNo. Seeds and Nuts Manganese Content 
25 Pumpkin Seeds 4.5 mg per 100 grams
26 Sesame Seeds 2.5 mg per 100 grams
27 Flaxseeds 2.5 mg per 100 grams
28 Sunflower Seeds 1.8 mg per 100 grams
29 Almonds 2.3 mg per 100 grams
30 Cashews 1.6 mg per 100 grams
31 Walnuts 3.4 mg per 100 grams
32 Pecans 1.7 mg per 100 grams
33 Pistachios 1.1 mg per 100 grams
34 Hazelnuts 1.7 mg per 100 grams
35 Brazil Nuts 1.6 mg per 100 grams
36 Macadamia Nuts 1.5 mg per 100 grams
37 Chia Seeds 2.7 mg per 100 grams
38 Hemp Seeds 5.4 mg per 100 grams
39 Pine Nuts 6.5 mg per 100 grams

List of Animal and Seafood High in Manganeses

While plant-based sources like fruits are often associated with manganese, some animal meats, fish & seafood also contain high quantities of this essential mineral. Here is the list of various animal-based foods rich in manganese, hence giving choices for those who need more dietary options.

SNo. Animal and Seafood Manganese Content (Per 100 grams)
40 Clams 2.3 mg per 100 grams
41 Mussels 5.0 mg per 100 grams
42 Oysters 3.6 mg per 100 grams
43 Lobster 1.6 mg per 100 grams
44 Crab 1.5 mg per 100 grams

How Much Manganese Should You Intake?

According to the National Institute of Health, NIH determines the appropriate daily intake of manganese is crucial for supporting overall health and well-being. While manganese deficiency is rare, excessive intake can lead to toxicity, highlighting the importance of understanding recommended intake levels based on factors such as age, sex, and individual health status.

The table given below outlines the recommended daily intake of Manganese for different demographics:

Age Group

Recommended Manganese Intake (milligrams per day)
Infants 0-6 months 0.0003 mg/kg body weight
Infants 7-12 months 0.6 mg per day
Children 1-3 years 1.2 mg per day
Children 4-8 years 1.5 mg per day
Children 9-13 years 1.9 mg per day
Male Teens 14-18 years 2.2 mg per day
Female Teens 14-18 years 1.6 mg per day
Male Adults 19+ years 2.3 mg per day
Female Adults 19+ years 1.8 mg per day
Pregnant Teens/ Adults 2.0 mg per day
Lactating Teens/ Adults 2.6 mg per day

Health Benefits of Manganese Rich Foods

Find out the numerous advantages of including Manganese Rich foods in your diet by Harvard School of Public Health. Starting from boosting metabolism to enhancing bone health and protecting against harmful substances, these foods can do a lot for you.

Different Ways to Include Manganese Rich Foods in Your Diet

Look into innovative and practical ways of introducing Manganese Rich foods into our daily meals. From smoothies and salads to homemade energy bars, there is an infinite amount of how these nutritious ingredients can be consumed for our health’s sake.

  • Smoothies: Make refreshing, Manganese Rich smoothies by blending fruits such as pineapple berries and mangoes in the morning or for lunch.
  • Salads: Have leafy vegetables like spinach and kale, also nuts like almonds and pumpkin seeds on your salads to get all the nutrients you need with one meal.
  • Trail Mix: Make your trail mix by mixing nuts like almonds, cashews, walnuts, dried fruits such as raisins and apricots in a bag for an instant manganese-packed munchie.
  • Oatmeal: For a tasty breakfast which is rich in manganese, add sliced bananas, strawberries or blueberries to your hot oatmeal early in the morning.
  • Stir-Fries: Prepare stir fries that are flavoured using tofu/lean meats like chicken alongside vegetables such as broccoli/bell peppers to give you a Manganese Rich dinner.
  • Whole Grain Foods: Some examples of whole-grain foods high in Manganese include Brown rice, Quinoa and Whole-wheat bread along with other nutrients.
  • Yogurt Parfaits: Build delicious parfait dishes from Greek yoghurt layered together with fresh fruits— (berries and peach slices) additionally including nuts/seeds-almonds/chia seeds.
  • Homemade Energy Bars: Oats, nuts; honey drizzled over seeds/ dried fruit this is precisely what you require whenever you opt to make energy bars at home.

What are the Symptoms of Manganese Deficiency?

Discover the signs and symptoms that come with manganese deficiency. Ranging from delayed growth and poor wound healing to neurological problems and weakened immunity, identification of such indicators is vital to keeping fit.

What are the Health Risks of Not Getting Enough Manganese?

Explore possible health risks related to inadequate intake of manganese. Such as distorted bones; skin disorders; glucose metabolism defects; decreased defence against diseases etc., too little manganese in your system could have far-reaching impacts on your body's fitness.

  • Inhibited Growth: Manganese is very key for perfect growth and development. Stunted growth may result from the lack of enough growth factors and retarded skeletal maturing.
  • Bone Anomalies: Inadequate manganese can lead to issues such as weak and brittle bones, which are signs of poor bone matrix formation or mineralisation.
  • Failure in Healing Wounds: Wounds call for the availability of manganese. Low intake may prevent it from occurring which means that injuries will heal at a much slower rate.
  • Skin Diseases: Dermatitis or skin rash that includes itching sensation, redness and inflammation can be experienced in some individuals with low Manganese.
  • Deafness: The deficiency state of severe magnitude is associated with abnormality in hearing due to its participation in auditory maintenance.
  • Glucose metabolism Issues: Deficiency of Mn impairs glucose metabolism as well as insulin secretion, leading to an increased risk of diabetes alongside reduced glucose tolerance.
  • Disorderly Nervous System Functioning: In extreme cases, neurological activity can be hindered by a lack of adequate manganese resulting in agitation, tremors and mood swings.

What are the Side Effects of Excessive Manganese Intake?

Though essential for health, excessive intake poses some risks. Here are the signs and symptoms linked to excess manganese consumption:

  • Tremors: Involuntary movement or shaking of limbs or whole body affecting motor control and coordination.
  • Stiffness in Muscles: Muscles feel tense or rigid leading to decreased flexibility and discomfort.
  • Hallucinations: Sensing things that do not exist along with delusional behaviour impacting perception.
  • Decreased Cognitive Function: Reduced mental activity and decreased concentration levels.
  • Neurological Symptoms: Difficulty walking, speech difficulties among others; moodiness.
  • Digestive Issues: Gastrointestinal distress like upset stomach, vomiting or loose stools.

Should You Take a Manganese Supplement?

Thinking about taking a manganese supplement? It is advisable to be cautious. However, under certain circumstances, dietary intakes may not be enough and supplementation can prove useful. One such example is in cases of malabsorption or limited diets. Nonetheless, it is important to note that excessive ingestion of manganese leads to toxicity which results in the manifestation of cognitive impairment as well as neurological symptoms.

Accordingly, you should consult your healthcare provider before embarking on any journey of seeking manganese supplements. They will evaluate your specific health status, eating habits and possible risks that should guide you towards safe and effective use.

To sum up, these superfoods are capable of contributing significantly to overall health through improving metabolism, skeletal development, antioxidant defence and wound healing capacity among other things whose list is inexhaustible. 

In conclusion, incorporating Manganese Rich foods into your diet can provide numerous health benefits, as manganese plays a crucial role in various bodily functions, including metabolism, bone health, and antioxidant activity.

 By including a diverse range of fruits, vegetables, nuts, seeds, and whole grains, you can ensure an adequate intake of this essential mineral. From leafy greens like spinach and kale to nuts like almonds and hazelnuts, there are plenty of delicious options to choose from.

FAQs about Manganese Rich Foods

What foods are high in Manganese?

Foods like shellfish, oysters, brown and oatmeal contain high manganese.

What are the symptoms of manganese deficiency?

Weakness of bones, poor growth in children, skin rashes, mood changeability and menstrual pain are a few of the noted manganese deficiency symptoms.

What vegetarian foods are high in manganese?

Nuts, grains, beans and tea are vegetarian options that are high in manganese.

What is manganese good for?

Manganese helps the body to form connective tissues, bones, blood clotting factors and sex hormones.

What fruit is high in manganese?

Pineapple as a whole as well as pineapple juice is high in manganese.

Who is at risk for manganese deficiency?

People with osteoporosis, epilepsy and diabetes are at higher risk for manganese deficiency.

What cereal is high in manganese?

Cooked oats contain a high level of manganese of 0.5 mg per 100 grams.

Does manganese deficiency cause hair loss?

Yes, manganese deficiency leads to decreased oxidation which ultimately causes hair loss.

Are almonds high in manganese?

Yes, almonds are a rich source of manganese consisting of 2.3 mg per 100 grams.

What is the ideal daily intake for manganese?

The ideal daily intake for manganese is between 1.8 mg to 2.3 mg for a full-grown adult.

What is the best time to take manganese?

The best time to consume Manganese Rich food is on an empty stomach to maximise its absorption.

Does Manganese help skin?

Yes, manganese is helpful for the skin as it is an essential source for building collagen.

What diseases are caused by manganese deficiency?

Manganese deficiency is quite rare but several diseases are caused by its associated deficiency like Down's syndrome, epilepsy and osteoporosis.

Is manganese good for the brain?

Yes, manganese is an essential micronutrient helpful for the normal functioning of the body including the brain.

What are the dangers of high manganese?

Excessive manganese leads to improper motor skills, difficulty concentrating, problems with memory and attention.

Does animal food contain manganese?

Yes, a few animal foods are rich in manganese such as clams, mussels, oysters, lobster and crabs.

Which seeds have the highest manganese?

Pumpkin seeds are a rich source of manganese containing 4.5 mg per 100 grams.

Who should not take manganese supplements?

Manganese is unsafe when inhaled for anyone but supplements must be avoided during pregnancy and breastfeeding.