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November 17, 2024
Table of Contents
Our body needs vitamins and minerals to help it grow, develop and stay healthy. These essential nutrients are vital for us to function as we go about our daily lives. Among the nutrients that our body needs is magnesium.
Let’s find out more about this precious mineral.
What is magnesium?
Magnesium is a mineral crucial to our body’s functions. This mineral can be found in the sea, earth, animals and plants. Magnesium can also be found in various food groups and as a diet supplement.
Magnesium and our body
Calcium and Vitamin D are often in the limelight regarding bone health, but magnesium also plays an equally important role. It works in conjunction with Vitamin D to help normalise calcium levels. More importantly, magnesium can also lower the risk of fracture.
60 percent of magnesium in our body is found in the bones, and the rest is spread out in the soft tissues, muscles, and even blood. Its role as an enzyme co-factor means magnesium is essential in regulating our body’s biochemical reactions.
Among its many functions include energy creation by converting food into energy, protein formation, facilitating muscle movements as it is part of the contraction and relaxation of muscles, regulating the body’s nervous systems, and also gene maintenance.
Brain health
Healthy magnesium levels help to stabilise mood and promote better sleep. It also keeps stress in check by controlling the body’s stress-response system. Magnesium can also assist in the prevention of migraines. In people with elevated blood pressure levels, this essential mineral has been shown to help lower their levels. It has also been shown to have anti-inflammatory benefits.
Health conditions that can lead to magnesium deficiency include gastrointestinal diseases, diabetes and kidney disease.
Where to get magnesium
Magnesium can be found in a variety of foods. Some examples are quinoa, nuts like almonds and cashews, avocado, spinach, and edamame. Incorporating these foods supplies the body with this mineral. Additionally, there are magnesium supplements that you can buy off the shelf for your needs. However, check with your doctor before you buy any magnesium supplements, as they may not be advisable if you’re on antibiotics and heart medications.
Our body is truly amazing but what makes it so are the things that keep it running. Remember to get the essential nutrients you need to keep it running like a well-oiled machine.
So eat right and live well!
