Four Health Benefits of Magnesium
Magnesium Explained.
For good health, the body needs vitamins and minerals. Of the various minerals found in the body, magnesium is the fourth most important after potassium, sodium, and calcium. Magnesium works as an electrolyte and helps in improving heart health and muscle function. According to the NIH, there are more than 300 functions in the body that require magnesium. This makes magnesium a very important nutrient needed by the body. Men aged 19 to 30 require 400 mg of magnesium per day, while women of the same age need 310 mg. Men older than 31 need 420 mg while women need 320 mg.
Four Key Health Benefits
It is important to be aware of the key health benefits of magnesium. These benefits explain why you need to have magnesium as a part of your diet. Here are 4 such key health benefits:
1) Needed for biochemical reactions to take place
There are numerous biochemical reactions taking place in the body throughout the day. Many of these reactions require magnesium as a co-factor for the reaction. Scientists say that there are 600 biochemical reactions in the human body that require magnesium. Some of the important reactions include:
- Conversion of food into energy so the body can be active.
- Creating proteins from amino acids.
- The relaxation and contractions of muscles in the body.
- Regulation of the neurotransmitters in the nervous system, that send messages throughout the body.
- Creating and repairing RNA and DNA.
2) It is anti-inflammatory
One of the key causes for many health problems in inflammation. Chronic inflammation can cause various types of problems ranging from obesity to high blood sugar levels, and even cancer. Studies have shown that people who are deficient in magnesium are more likely to suffer from chronic inflammation. Those who have good levels of magnesium in the body are less at risk of developing inflammatory disorders.
Taking magnesium from food or as supplements can help reduce inflammation. This can be very helpful to those who were overweight and those who have conditions like prediabetes. It is believed that magnesium can reduce CRP levels, which in turn help reduce inflammation.
3) It can help fight depression
Depression is a major problem in today’s world. A study showed that people who had low levels of magnesium had a 22% more chance of developing depression. Magnesium plays an important role in brain functioning. It is believed to help in elevating the mood levels. Magnesium deficiency can thus alter the braining functioning and cause depression. Studies have shown good improvements in treating depression through magnesium supplements.
4) It is helpful in preventing migraine
Migraine is a terrible condition that causes severe headache with nausea, sensitivity to light, vomiting, and unbearable pain. Some studies have shown that people with magnesium deficiency are at a higher risk of getting migraine. Other studies have shown that having optimum levels of magnesium can help prevent migraine attacks. People who are suffering from a migraine attack can get relief through magnesium and it helps reduce the symptoms of the condition.
The Benefits of Magnesium
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