Benefits Of Magnesium
July 31, 2009
To stay healthy, your body needs vitamins as well as minerals. Unfortunately, certain minerals, despite of their necessity in stimulating various body functions, are neglected in our diet.
Magnesium is one such nutrient, which unknowingly we do not include adequately in our daily meals.
Benefits of magnesium
Our body needs magnesium to perform various metabolic functions.
Builds healthy bones
Along with vitamin D, magnesium is also needed by our body to absorb calcium. Magnesium is therefore necessary to build strong bones and teeth. People suffering from osteoporosis, a condition characterized by loss in bone density, could immensely benefit by consuming magnesium along with calcium and vitamin D.
For healthy muscles
Proper intake of magnesium could prevent cramps and muscle stiffness. Magnesium helps in muscle relaxation. Fibromylagia, a condition that causes muscle pain, morning stiffness and tenderness, could be treated with magnesium supplements.
For healthy heart
Magnesium benefits the heart in several ways. It helps to maintain normal rhythm of the heart. This mineral is capable of preventing formation of blood clots in the blood vessels of the heart. It also helps to stabilize the blood pressure level. Besides preventing cardiac ailments, magnesium also helps patients to recover fast after a heart attack.
Beneficial for type 2 diabetes
Magnesium is needed for metabolism of carbohydrates. It is believed that magnesium perhaps stimulates secretion of insulin. People suffering from type 2 diabetes often suffer from magnesium deficiency. By increasing magnesium intake, type 2 diabetes patients could normalize their blood sugar levels.
Improves brain function
According to a MIT study, magnesium helps to retain the plasticity of the synapses. Synapses carry information between the neurons in the brain. Plasticity of synapses enhances our learning skills and improves memory. Adequate intake of magnesium could also benefit people suffering from anxiety, depression and attention deficit disorder.
Prevents metabolic syndrome
Metabolic syndrome comprises of a combination of heart disease and metabolic disorders, such as diabetes, hypertension, high cholesterol and risk of blood clotting. Studies have found that adequate magnesium intake could significantly reduce the risk of metabolic syndrome.
Magnesium sources
We need around 320mg of magnesium per day. Some best sources of magnesium are brown rice, black beans, almonds, Brazil nuts and okra.
Comments
Got something to say? Join the conversation and leave a comment below.