You’ve probably heard that your body needs important nutrients, such as protein, antioxidants, Vitamin C, calcium, etc. Yet, have you ever realized that magnesium has an important role in your body’s health? The World’s Healthiest Foods explains the details.
Magnesium is a mineral that can be found in many in the foods we eat. In addition, it is a necessary ingredient in body metabolism and chemical reactions in our bodies. However, most adults don’t get the full, recommended amount of magnesium suggested by the U.S. government. Actually, adults only get about 66% of the recommended daily amount. Foods that are excellent sources of magnesium include:
- Spinach
- Pumpkin seeds.
- Swiss chard.
- Soybeans
- Black beans
- Quinoa
- Sunflower seeds.
- Beet greens.
- Summer squash
Benefits of magnesium
One important role for magnesium is bone health. Approximately 50-60% of the magnesium in your body is found in your bones. Magnesium is important for preventing the loss of bone and preventing osteoporosis.
Another important quality about magnesium is that it aids our bodies in making energy. Furthermore, when you break things down to the cellular level you find that the human body creates energy through many chemical reactions and in a precise order. Without magnesium, many of these chemical reactions can’t happen at all.
A third helpful quality of magnesium is that helps our nervous system. Receptors in the membranes of our cells need magnesium. This is especially important for the cells in our brains. Research shows that magnesium deficiency is linked to depression.
The fourth quality of magnesium is that it contributes to blood sugar regulation. Again, low magnesium levels are connected to an inability to control blood sugar.
Finally, magnesium helps to prevent inflammation. Inflammation is linked to obesity, heart disease, and diabetes.
Want to learn more about the health benefits of magnesium? You can read the full article here: Magnesium.
