A couple of days ago I received a question from one of my old school friends about Magnesium and I was wondering what I can say about Magnesiium? There are a few books out there who are made just to explain about for Magnesium itself so it is a very important mineral and here I will explain why.
Magnesium is a mineral found in the earth, sea, plants, animals and humans.
1.Magnesium Is Involved in Hundreds of Biochemical Reactions in Your Body
About 60% of the magnesium in your body is found in bone, while the rest is in muscles, soft tissues and fluids, including blood.
In fact, every cell in your body contains it and needs it to function.
One of magnesium’s main roles is acting as a cofactor or helper molecule in the biochemical reactions continuously performed by enzymes.
In fact, it’s involved in more than 600 reactions in your body here some examples:
• Energy creation: Helps convert food into energy.
• Protein formation: Helps create new proteins from amino acids.
• Gene maintenance: Helps create and repair DNA and RNA.
• Muscle movements: Is part of the contraction and relaxation of muscles.
• Nervous system regulation: Helps regulate neurotransmitters, which send messages throughout your brain and nervous system.
Magnesium is a mineral that supports hundreds of chemical reactions in your body. However, many people get less than they need.
2. It May Boost Exercise Performance
Magnesium also plays a role in exercise performance.
During exercise, you may need 10–20% more magnesium than when you’re resting, depending on the activity
Magnesium helps move blood sugar into your muscles and dispose of lactate, which can build up during exercise and cause fatigue
In another study, athletes who supplemented with magnesium for four weeks had faster running, cycling and swimming times during a triathlon. They also experienced reductions in insulin and stress hormone levels
Magnesium supplements have been shown to enhance exercise performance in several studies, but research results are mixed.
3. Magnesium Fights Depression
Magnesium plays a critical role in brain function and mood, and low levels are linked to an increased risk of depression
One analysis in over 8,800 people found that people under the age of 65 with the lowest magnesium intake had a 22% greater risk of depression
Some experts believe the low magnesium content of modern food may cause many cases of depression and mental illness
Nonetheless, supplementing with this mineral may help reduce symptoms of depression — and in some cases, the results can be dramatic
SUMMARY
There may be a link between depression and magnesium deficiency. Supplementing with it can reduce symptoms of depression in some people.
4. It Has Benefits Against Type 2 Diabetes
Magnesium also benefits people with type 2 diabetes.
Studies suggest that about 48% of people with type 2 diabetes have low levels of magnesium in their blood. This can impair insulin’s ability to keep blood sugar levels under control
One study which followed more than 4,000 people for 20 years found that those with the highest magnesium intake were 47% less likely to develop diabetes
However, these effects may depend on how much magnesium you’re getting from food. In a different study, supplements did not improve blood sugar or insulin levels in people who weren’t deficient
People who get the most magnesium have a lower risk of type 2 diabetes. Moreover, supplements have been shown to lower blood sugar in some people.
5. Magnesium Can Lower Blood Pressure
Studies show that taking magnesium can lower blood pressure
In one study, people who took 450 mg per day experienced a significant decrease in systolic and diastolic blood pressure
However, these benefits may only occur in people who have high blood pressure.
SUMMARY
Magnesium helps lower blood pressure in people with elevated levels but does not seem to have the same effect in those with normal levels.
6. It Has Anti-Inflammatory Benefits
Low magnesium intake is linked to chronic inflammation, which is one of the drivers of aging, obesity and chronic disease (29
In one study, children with the lowest blood magnesium levels were found to have the highest levels of the inflammatory marker CRP.
They also had higher blood sugar, insulin and triglyceride levels (32
Magnesium supplements can reduce CRP and other markers of inflammation in older adults, overweight people and those with prediabetes (33
In the same way, high-magnesium foods — such as fatty fish and dark chocolate — can reduce inflammation.
SUMMARY
Magnesium has been shown to help fight inflammation. It reduces the inflammatory marker CRP and provides several other benefits.
7. Magnesium Can Help Prevent Migraines
Some researchers believe that people who suffer from migraines are more likely than others to be magnesium deficient (36
In fact, a few encouraging studies suggest that magnesium can prevent and even help treat migraines
In one study, supplementing with 1 gram of magnesium provided relief from an acute migraine attack more quickly and effectively than a common medication
Additionally, magnesium-rich foods may help reduce migraine symptoms
People with frequent migraines may have low magnesium levels. Some studies show that supplementing with this mineral can provide relief from migraines.
8. It Reduces Insulin Resistance
Insulin resistance is one of the leading causes of metabolic syndrome and type 2 diabetes.
It’s characterized by an impaired ability of muscle and liver cells to properly absorb sugar from your bloodstream.
In addition, the high levels of insulin that accompany insulin resistance lead to the loss of magnesium through urine, further reducing your body’s levels
Fortunately, increasing magnesium intake can help
One study found that supplementing with this mineral reduced insulin resistance and blood sugar levels, even in people with normal blood levels
SUMMARY
Magnesium supplements may improve insulin resistance in people with metabolic syndrome and type 2 diabetes.
9. Magnesium Improves PMS Symptoms
Premenstrual syndrome (PMS) is one of the most common disorders among women of childbearing age.
Its symptoms include water retention, abdominal cramps, tiredness and irritability.
Interestingly, magnesium has been shown to improve mood, reduce water retention and other symptoms in women with PMS
SUMMARY
Magnesium supplements have been shown to improve symptoms that occur in women with PMS.
Recommended dosis of Magnesium daily.
The recommended daily intake is 400–420 mg per day for men and 310–320 mg per day for women (48).
You can get it from both food and supplements.
Food Sources
• Pumpkin seeds: 46% of the RDI in a quarter cup (16 grams)
• Spinach, boiled: 39% of the RDI in a cup (180 grams)
• Swiss chard, boiled: 38% of the RDI in a cup (175 grams)
• Dark chocolate (70–85% cocoa): 33% of the RDI in 3.5 ounces (100 grams)
• Black beans: 30% of the RDI in a cup (172 grams)
• Quinoa, cooked: 33% of the RDI the in a cup (185 grams)
• Halibut: 27% of the RDI in 3.5 ounces (100 grams)
• Almonds: 25% of the RDI in a quarter cup (24 grams)
• Cashews: 25% of the RDI in a quarter cup (30 grams)
• Mackerel: 19% of the RDI in 3.5 ounces (100 grams)
• Avocado: 15% of the RDI in one medium avocado (200 grams)
• Salmon: 9% of the RDI in 3.5 ounces (100 grams)
- Tofu
Supplements
If you have a medical condition, check with your doctor before taking magnesium supplements.
Though these are generally well-tolerated, they may not be safe for people who take certain diuretics, heart medications or antibiotics.
Supplement forms that are absorbed well include magnesium citrate, glycinate, orotate and carbonate.
If you want to try a magnesium supplement, you can find a huge selection of high-quality products on Amazon.
SUMMARY
Getting enough magnesium is vital. Many foods contain it, and many high-quality supplements are available.
The Bottom Line
Getting enough magnesium is essential for maintaining good health.
Be sure to eat plenty of magnesium-rich foods or take a supplement if you’re unable to get enough from your diet alone.
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