Magnesium is an essential mineral for the body. Magnesium deficiency can result in loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, and abnormal heart rhythms. What are the health benefits of magnesium, and how can they be achieved? See the review in the following article.
Benefits of magnesium for health
Magnesium is essential for the proper functioning of the body. Because magnesium cannot be produced by the body on its own, you must get it from your diet.
Magnesium provides several health benefits, including:
Help regulate blood sugar levels
In the body, magnesium is necessary for carbohydrate metabolism and insulin secretion. Research shows that people with prediabetes and diabetes have low magnesium levels. As a result, maintaining optimal magnesium levels is critical for proper blood sugar regulation.
Reduces symptoms of stress and depression
Magnesium may also help regulate mood, including anxiety and depression symptoms. A study found that low magnesium intake may be associated with higher levels of anxiety. This is due to the activity of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis, a group of three glands that regulate a person's response to stress. Nonetheless, more research is needed into the relationship between magnesium and mental health.
Maintains bone health
Aside from calcium, magnesium is important for healthy bone formation and preventing bone loss. Bones contain approximately 50–60% of magnesium. Numerous studies have shown that adequate magnesium intake is associated with increased bone density, increased bone crystal formation, and a lower risk of osteoporosis in women after menopause.
Maintains heart and cardiovascular health
Magnesium helps to keep your heart and blood vessels healthy. Magnesium deficiency can raise the risk of heart problems at the cellular level. Another study found that magnesium deficiency is common among congestive heart failure patients.
A number of other studies have found that magnesium supplements can help lower blood pressure levels, reduce the risk of heart disease and stroke, and lower high blood pressure. More research is needed, however, because previous studies found that magnesium had no effect on cholesterol or triglyceride levels, both of which are risk factors for heart and cardiovascular disease.
Reduces headaches
According to research, people who suffer from frequent headaches, such as migraines, have low blood magnesium levels. Experts believe that a low magnesium intake is one of the risk factors for migraine headaches. As a result, doctors may prescribe magnesium supplements to patients who experience frequent tension headaches or migraines.
Magnesium-containing foods
Magnesium is a mineral that must be obtained through dietary sources or supplements. Some magnesium-rich foods include green vegetables, nuts, and seeds, such as the following:
- Almonds
- Spinach
- Soy milk
- Peanut butter
- Avocado
- Potatoes
- Low-fat yogurt
- Bananas
In addition to eating the foods listed above, supplements can be taken to meet the body's magnesium requirements. Before taking magnesium supplements, consult with a doctor or nutritionist about your needs.
If you need medical advice or consultation, you can either visit a doctor or make use of the consultation features that are available in the Ai Care application by downloading the Ai Care application from the App Store or Play Store.
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- dr. Monica Salim
Spritzler, F. (2023). 12 Evidence-Based Health Benefits of Magnesium. Available from: https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/magnesium-benefits
Health Direct: Magnesium and Your Health. Available from: https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/magnesium#
Kubala, J. (2024). Health Benefits of Magnesium. Available from: https://www.health.com/magnesium-7229399
Ware, M. (2023). Why do we need magnesium?. Available from: https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/286839