Magnesium and Its Importance to the Body
What do you know about magnesium?
Magnesium is one of the essential minerals for the proper functioning of the body, the nervous system, and the muscular system.
The human body uses various amounts of magnesium for more than 300 biochemical reactions, implicitly helping to maintain a healthy immune system, stimulating the proper functioning of the heart, and the proper and strong development of bones.
Regulating blood glucose levels, energy, and protein production are functions of the body for which magnesium plays an important role and the right amounts of it are needed in the body. The body of a healthy adult contains about 25 grams of magnesium, more than 50% of which is found in the bones, the rest being distributed in the soft tissues and only 1% in the blood serum.
The human body extracts the necessary amounts of magnesium from its diet, but depending on the diet followed and the ability to absorb nutrients, your doctor may recommend the use of dietary supplements with high concentrations of magnesium to cover the deficiency.
The most important food sources of magnesium are nuts, whole grains, wheat germ, fish, and green vegetables. However, you can also absorb significant amounts of magnesium from bananas, dried apricots, avocados, peas, beans, tofu, and milk.
The important thing to know is that there is no cause for concern about the increased intake of magnesium, in general, the human body eliminating excess amounts. Thus, quantities above the normal limit will be found only in the body of those who abuse supplements.
However, in the case of people who do not assimilate nutrients or eat chaotically, magnesium deficiencies can be observed, the main symptoms being muscle weakness, hyperexcitability, and drowsiness.
To be aware of the need for this mineral in the body, you will find in the following lines the 10 most important health benefits of magnesium.
1. Restful sleep
Accumulated stress and tension are the main causes of insomnia, but magnesium has the role of reducing stress hormones and balancing melatonin, the hormone responsible for sleeping at regular hours, which changes in the case of mineral deficiency.
So, to get a good night's sleep, you need the 25 grams of magnesium needed for the body to function properly.
2. Muscle development
Magnesium allows the body to produce more insulin, which plays an important role in muscle development.
3. Better flexibility
Magnesium has an important function in relaxing muscles and preventing cramps, thus determining ease of movement and preventing the accumulation of lactic acid responsible for the sensations of pain and pressure.
4. Magnesium prevents osteoporosis
Calcium and magnesium supplements improve bone mineral density, while magnesium deficiencies affect the hormones that regulate calcium, causing osteoporosis.
5. Prevents cardiovascular disease
An optimal level of magnesium in the body reduces the risk of heart disease and the risk of having stroke.
6. Regulates blood pressure
Blood pressure can be lowered and regulated with a diet rich in fruits and vegetables, which are important sources of potassium and magnesium.
7. Reminiscing teeth
Magnesium deficiency influences the imbalance of calcium and phosphorus in saliva, which damages the health of the teeth.
8. Hydration of the body
Magnesium is an essential electrolyte needed to hydrate the body.
9. Prevents diabetes
People with magnesium deficiency are more likely to develop type 2 diabetes or severe diabetic retinopathy. This is because magnesium plays an important role in the production of insulin responsible for blood glucose levels.
10. Treatment of migraines and depression
Among the many health benefits of magnesium are migraine and the symptoms of depression. Magnesium supplements are also given to reduce the intensity of panic attacks, eliminate stress and anxiety.
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