Magnesium is one of the most underrated minerals that your body needs. Responsible for over 300 enzyme functions, it’s a crucial mineral that can enhance your quality of life significantly.
Magnesium enhances muscle contraction, neurological function, sleep quality, mood, cardiovascular function, digestive function, gastrointestinal function, and more.
Today, learn more about why magnesium may be the major mineral you could be missing out on.
Magnesium explained
Magnesium is an abundant mineral in the body that’s naturally found in a range of foods and plays a massive role in over 300 biochemical reactions in the body. Some of the main roles magnesium helps with is:
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Energy creation from food
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Protein synthesis helps create DNA and RNA
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Muscle contraction and relaxation
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Anti-inflammatory benefits
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Blood pressure and blood sugar regulation
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Nervous system regulation
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Migraine prevention
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Regulate the body’s calcium and blood sugar levels
On average, men need around 400-500 mg and females need 300-400 mg per day.
You can find magnesium in a range of food such as:
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Avocados
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Dark chocolate
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Nuts (almonds, cashews, and brazil nuts)
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Legumes
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Seeds
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Whole grains, i.e, chia seeds, pumpkin, brown rice, and flax seeds
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Fatty fish i.e, salmon, halibut, and mackerel
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Bananas
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Leafy green vegetables, i.e, spinach, kale, and broccoli
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Tofu
5 MAJOR health benefits of magnesium
Magnesium has a ton of benefits for your body, such as:
Can support healthy blood sugar levels
Magnesium can help support blood sugar levels by improving insulin sensitivity, allowing your body to utilise it more effectively. This mineral plays a crucial role in facilitating the transport of sugar from the bloodstream into cells, thereby regulating blood glucose levels, fasting blood sugar, and A1c levels in individuals with insulin resistance or diabetes. Research suggests that magnesium may also help reduce the risk of type 2 diabetes.
Helps with heart health
Another important element is that magnesium can help keep your heart strong and healthy. A 2021 review showed that magnesium supplements may help lower high blood pressure levels, reducing the likelihood of heart disease. One of the main functions is that it helps regulate the balance of sodium, calcium, and potassium ions, helping you have a stable heart rhythm and reduce arrhythmias.
Can combat depression
Another thing magnesium can support is brain function and mood; low levels are associated with a risk of depression. It also helps support mood and brain function, especially your body's stress response system. Magnesium helps regulate neurotransmitters, blocking ones and promoting calming receptors, helping balance mood.
May have anti-inflammatory benefits
There are studies that show low levels of magnesium are linked to higher inflammation levels, which can play a significant role in chronic disease and aging. It's thought that magnesium inhibits the activation of inflammatory markers, such as C-reactive protein (CRP), thereby helping to reduce levels of chronic inflammation and, consequently, chronic disease.
Could help with better sleep
One of the most highlighted benefits of magnesium is that it can help you sleep. Often, many people use magnesium supplements to help with insomnia. Part of the reason for this is that magnesium helps regulate neurotransmitters associated with sleep, such as gamma-aminobutyric acid, which often improves sleep quality and duration.
What happens when we don't get enough magnesium?
If you fail to get sufficient levels of magnesium in your body, you may be at risk of the following:
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Loss of appetite
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Nausea or vomiting
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Fatigue
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Muscle cramps and spasms
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Pins and needles
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Seizures
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Changes to personality
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Abnormal heart rhythms (arrhythmia)
If you feel you're experiencing any of these symptoms, book an appointment with a doctor immediately, as you may have a magnesium deficiency.
Supplements that support magnesium levels
At Herb-ology, we have a range of supplements to support your magnesium levels (if you can't get enough in your diet). They're science-backed and made from 100% plant-based materials:
Magnesium Glycinate
This is a bioavailable form of magnesium in capsule form that is highly absorbable, calming, and helps increase magnesium. There are two types available 500mg and 750mg, helping increase your magnesium levels. Both capsules are free from GMOs and do not contain artificial flavors, colors, or preservatives.
Magnesium Malate
Another magnesium supplement you may wish to try is our Magnesium Malate 750mg. With only one tablet to be taken a day, this supplement can help support your energy levels, nerve function, athletic performance, and overall mood.
Wrapping up magnesium
Overall, magnesium is an essential and underrated mineral you should be absorbing from your diet daily. It's responsible for over 300 enzymatic reactions in the body and can significantly enhance the quality of life.
Magnesium is highly available in a range of natural foods, including avocados, dark chocolate, leafy greens, nuts, and tofu, among others. However, if you cannot obtain it through your diet, we recommend trying supplements like our Magnesium Glycinate and Magnesium Malate.
Otherwise, if you don't get sufficient magnesium in your diet, you could be at risk of facing a range of other symptoms, such as loss of appetite, vomiting, heart arrhythmias, nausea, and much more.
Looking to enhance your lifestyle even more? Browse our extended range of supplements.
