Magnesium in Diet – Benefits and Medical Evidence

Magnesium is an alkaline earth metal that is essential for the proper function of the human body. It is a component of more than 300 enzymes and a cofactor in hundreds of biochemical reactions. These biochemical reactions help the body to create energy, grow new tissues, and maintain a healthy skeleton. Thus, a diet rich in magnesium could help to prevent osteoporosis, arthritis, Alzheimer’s disease, and atherosclerosis.

Why Magnesium Is Important For Our Health

Magnesium is an important mineral for the human body because it plays a key role in hundreds of metabolic processes. This means that a deficiency of magnesium in the diet can lead to a number of health problems. Let’s look at each area of the body in more detail and the role that magnesium plays in that area.

The Brain And Magnesium

Magnesium is a vital component of the brain, which is mainly composed of synapses. At least 30% of the total magnesium in the body is found in the brain. The magnesium content of the brain is comparable to that of the liver, heart, and kidneys combined. The high magnesium concentration in the brain makes it an important source of nutrition for supporting the body’s neurological functions. In particular, adequate amounts of magnesium in the diet could help to prevent Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia.

The B vitamins play an essential role in building membranes that can transport nutrients to cells in the body. These nutrients include magnesium. Moreover, the human body does not produce the enzyme required to digest fats and carbohydrates properly without adequate magnesium in the system. Additionally, the breakdown of carbohydrates releases energy, which is then used by the brain to perform more complex activities. Therefore, a diet rich in magnesium could be of great benefit to people suffering from Alzheimer’s disease or related forms of dementia. It is also thought that magnesium can help to prevent atherosclerosis by keeping the heart healthy and by reducing cholesterol levels. High cholesterol levels in the blood can lead to atherosclerosis, which is the accumulation of plaque in the arteries. Plaque is a deposit that builds up inside the arteries and reduces the blood flow in the body. When this happens, the individual becomes prone to heart attacks and strokes because of the reduced oxygen supply to the tissues. The high amount of magnesium in the human diet could help to prevent atherosclerosis by keeping cholesterol levels low and by keeping the heart healthy through regular physical activity. Moreover, magnesium is involved in hundreds of enzymes that help maintain the stability of the human skeleton. A diet rich in magnesium could help prevent osteoporosis by keeping the bones strong and healthy. Osteoporosis is a condition where the bones become weak and susceptible to fracture. The risk of osteoporosis drastically increases with age, and it is currently the most common form of arthritis among the elderly. A diet rich in magnesium could help to prevent osteoporosis by promoting bone mineralization and increasing bone density. Moreover, magnesium is required for more than 300 enzymes that help maintain healthy teeth. A diet rich in fiber and antioxidants could help protect the teeth from damage and decay. Thus, a diet rich in magnesium could help to prevent many chronic diseases.

The Nervous System And Magnesium

The nervous system is made up of the brain and spinal cord, which is connected to every tissue and organ in the body through the endocrine system. The nervous system controls all bodily functions and is essential for maintaining a healthy human existence. A diet rich in magnesium could support healthy brain function by keeping the neurons (nerve cells) in good condition and by preventing them from decaying. This is achieved through a combination of antioxidants, anti-inflammatory agents, and essential fatty acids. Essential fatty acids are fatty acids that cannot be produced by the human body and must therefore be consumed in the diet. They play an important role in the functioning of all cells in the human body. Moreover, vitamin D helps to maintain healthy bones by helping the body to absorb vital nutrients out of the soil. Thus, a diet rich in magnesium could help to prevent osteoporosis by keeping the body’s largest organ, the brain, healthy. Moreover, the nervous system controls the endocrine system, which in turn controls the body’s hormone production. A diet rich in magnesium could help prevent certain types of cancer due to its involvement in maintaining a healthy endocrine system. This is because cancer develops when hormones, such as insulin, grow out of control and stimulate cell replication in an inappropriate manner. Magnesium is also part of more than 300 enzymes that help regulate blood sugar levels and the body’s fat-burning process. A diet rich in magnesium could help diabetics by improving their overall condition and by reducing blood sugar levels. Moreover, blood sugar levels greatly influence the body’s Vitamin D production, which in turn affects bone health. Additionally, a diet rich in Vitamin D can reduce the risk of some forms of cancer. Thus, a diet rich in magnesium could have multiple positive effects on overall health.

The Cardiovascular System And Magnesium

The cardiovascular system includes all the blood vessels and the heart. The heart is the pump that circulates the blood through the body’s vascular system. The endothelium is a layer of cells that line the inside of the blood vessels and help regulate blood pressure and blood clotting. The human body does not produce vitamin K without adequate levels of magnesium. Moreover, copper is involved in the production of vitamin C in the body, and some research indicates that copper deficiency leads to low levels of vitamin C and an increased risk of heart disease. Thus, a diet rich in magnesium could help to prevent heart disease by keeping the copper levels in the body at an acceptable level and by ensuring that the body produces adequate amounts of vitamin C. In addition, magnesium plays an important role in the contraction of the muscle fibers that are found in the heart. Moreover, magnesium is essential for the normal functioning of the nervous and endocrine systems. A diet rich in magnesium could help to maintain healthy blood pressure levels and prevent hypertension. Moreover, high blood pressure can lead to atherosclerosis and stroke, which are the main causes of death among people aged 65 and above. A diet rich in magnesium could prevent these diseases by keeping the blood pressure low and the arteries unclogged. 

A healthy diet should include many minerals and vitamins, and it definitely should include magnesium. A diet rich in magnesium could help prevent many common diseases and lead to a longer, healthier life. Moreover, a diet rich in magnesium could greatly improve the quality of life for people already suffering from these conditions.