Top 5 Benefits of Magnesium

Magnesium is an essential mineral required by our body for optimal health and required for more than 300 metabolic reactions - there are many benefits of magnesium. It is the fourth most abundant mineral in the human body with half of it found in bones and the rest in cells. Around a percent of the body’s magnesium is in the blood.

This is a guest post by Namrata Kothari, a passionate food and fitness blogger. We hope that you find it enjoyable and informative.

Some of the important functions performed by magnesium include -

• synthesis of protein,
• metabolic powerhouse of the cells,
• generation and transport of energy,
• function of some of the important enzymes of the body,
• normal muscle operation,
• bone strength,
• supports synthesis of RNA and DNA,
• maintains the heart rhythm steady,
• supports a healthy immune system and nerve function.

Magnesium deficiency is on the rise, as most western diets lack in providing the recommended daily amount. The convenient and effective way to boost your magnesium intake is to take magnesium supplements. Read the review of top 10 magnesium supplement brands available over-the-counter here.

Magnesium deficiency can cause inflammation, and in turn, has been linked with chronic health conditions such as heart disease, diabetes, and certain cancers. Low magnesium levels also increase the risk for osteoporosis.

Health Benefits

1. Treats insomnia, migraines and fights depression

Studies have shown that people with lower levels of magnesium are more prone to migraine attacks. Taking magnesium supplement brings quick and sustained relief from migraine pain and also reduces the frequency of episodes.

Magnesium has a calming effect on the nervous system and regulates heart rhythm. This causes a feeling of reduction in stress and relaxes the mind resulting in improved sleep length and quality.

Magnesium has been shown to increase brain function by positively affecting the brain electrical activity and supporting improved memory and learning.

2. Supports healthy weight management

Magnesium plays a vital role in treating obesity as most overweight individuals suffer from metabolic syndrome and extremely low-grade inflammation. Magnesium deficiency results in forcing the body to flush out more Magnesium, creating a downward spiral of deficiency. A study had shown that low magnesium levels are connected to higher body mass index, meaning that people with magnesium deficiency often have high body fat percentage.

3. Reduces Inflammation and prevents heart diseases

Research has suggested that low levels of magnesium leads to increased inflammation and increasing the risk of chronic diseases like cancer, heart disease and Alzheimer’s arthritis.

Magnesium deficiency also results in increased blood pressure and reduced lipid metabolism, negatively affecting heart health. Low Magnesium levels also increases the risk of abnormal heart rhythms, thereby increasing the risk of complications after a heart attack.

4. Stronger bones

Calcium is often related to good bone health, but it alone cannot make a difference. Magnesium and Vitamin D, along with Calcium work to improve bone health. Magnesium helps in conversion of Vitamin D into its active form, which supports calcium absorption and stronger bones. Research suggests that the calcium to magnesium ratio should ideally be 1:1, as it is equally important for bone health.

5. Prevent diabetes

Several studies have shown that magnesium plays a vital role in influencing insulin secretion and helps in carbohydrate metabolism, subsequently controlling blood glucose levels.

Taking magnesium supplements will improve your insulin sensitivity and reduce the risk of developing type-2 diabetes. Low magnesium levels make it difficult for you to lose weight and get leaner.

Therefore, magnesium is essential for healthy body functioning and improved body health. However improving the levels of magnesium is not as simple as popping a pill of magnesium supplement. There are a number of things that you should be aware of while finding the right supplement for you, read here to find out more.

Photo Credit: Raymond Francis

About the Author

Namrata Kothari is software engineer by education and a food and fitness blogger by passion. She is a lover of yoga and satire and has always been fascinated about nutrition and healthy living, but the real journey of research started after giving birth to two kids. She wanted to pass on good eating habits and balanced diet for their holistic growth, and started writing as a resource for others interested in the same.

If you're interested in working with her either in person or remotely, please email her at [email protected]. Namrata currently lives in Bangalore. She is also a contributing health writer for superfoodliving.com. Read more of her articles here http://www.superfoodliving.com/author/namrata-kothari.

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