We are very much aware of the fact that magnesium is very good for the health. In another words, it is an essential nutrient that we must have for a healthy body. Magnesium boosts your energy, keeps you fresh and youthful. Ironically, many of us often do not think much about the beneficial aspects of this essential mineral. It is a macromineral and we need large amount of it in our daily diet. Other macrominerals that we need from our diet are calcium, phosphorous, sodium, sulphur, potassium and chloride. Our bones and muscles contain lots of magnesium and it is extremely important for the healthy bones and muscles. Just like other minerals, our body cannot make manganese by itself and we need to get it from our diet. So, magnesium is extremely important and helps us to remain healthy.

In case of magnesium deficiency, there will be weak or soft bones, muscle weakness and tremor. Magnesium deficiency can also lead to high blood pressure and imbalanced blood sugar levels, irregular heartbeats or heart arrhythmia, irregular contraction, headache, anxiety and fatigue. As said above our body gets this mineral from our diet. So, we need to eat more magnesium rich foods to fulfil body’s need and to get rid of magnesium deficiency. Some of the best foods that contain high amounts of manganese are raw pumpkin seeds, boiled spinach, Swiss chard, soybeans, black beans, sunflower seeds, sesame seeds, lima beans, artichoke, salmon and halibut. Other magnesium rich foods are sweet potatoes, barley, peanuts, soy milk, tofu, scallop and oysters.

Functions and Health Benefits of Magnesium

Magnesium provides number of health benefits. Magnesium plays an important role in the prevention of osteoporosis. It is very important for bone density. Magnesium works with calcium and Vitamin D gives the protection against osteoporosis.

Magnesium is also good for the heart and lack of it in the body can lead to many heart problems such as irregular heartbeats, blood clots, strokes and heart attack. Magnesium helps to keep a smooth blood circulation and also maintains blood pressure levels.

Magnesium and calcium help to relax nerves and muscles. Magnesium deficiency can lead to muscle tension, muscle soreness, muscle spasms, muscle cramps, and muscle fatigue.

It is a powerful antioxidant and protects the cells from the free radicals. Thus it protects against skin problems, cancer and also prevents pre-mature aging.

Magnesium helps to control the blood sugar levels and it is especially important for the diabetic patients.

Magnesium is important for the metabolism of proteins, carbohydrates, and fats. It helps cells to function properly. It is essential for making new cells and activating B vitamins as well.

Other functions of magnesium are like it reduces the migraine attacks. It is known for giving relief to the asthma patients. It helps to normalize their breathing. Magnesium is also helpful in the treatment of panic attacks, stress, anxiety and fatigue. Magnesium plays an important role in the prevention and the treatment of alcoholism, autism, congenital heart disease, coronary artery disease, diabetes, osteoporosis, epilepsy and multiple sclerosis.

Sources:

http://www.whfoods.com

http://www.algaecal.com/magnesium/magnesium-rich-foods.html

http://www.ancient-minerals.com/magnesium-benefits/health/