Though you may not hear about it, magnesium is essential to many of the body’s functions. In fact, there are several health benefits to having enough of this mineral in your diet. Let’s have a look at what they are and what foods you should eat to get all the magnesium you need.
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What Is Magnesium Good For?
As mentioned previously, magnesium is important for different bodily functions. These include regulating blood pressure, keeping the heart rate normal, maintaining normal blood sugar levels, supporting healthy muscles, and encouraging the efficient function of the nervous system. There is also some evidence that magnesium has a positive impact on your mood.
How Much Magnesium Per Day?
Generally, men above the age of 19 should get 400 – 420 mg of magnesium per day while women should have 310 – 320 mg per day. Those who are pregnant have a higher daily Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA) of 350 – 360 mg. Since this may change depending on your health status, it’s good to talk about your specific needs with your doctor.
It’s also important to note that the consequences of getting too much magnesium depend on how you consume it. If you’re getting it from your diet, then it’s possible for the body to get rid of the excess through the kidneys.
When you take supplements, however, getting rid of the excess might be harder. At that point, you could experience nausea, stomach cramps, and diarrhea.
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What Are The Benefits Of Magnesium?
The benefits of magnesium vary but studies show that you can expect stronger bones, healthy muscles, and a healthy heart. You’re also less likely to develop chronic illnesses such as diabetes, degenerative brain disorders, and inflammation in the body.
7 Magnesium Benefits For Overall Health
1. It May Improve Your Exercise Capabilities
When you’re exercising magnesium helps to move sugar into your muscles so it can be processed quickly. It also gets rid of the lactate that builds up during exercise. These two actions generally lead to more efficient physical activity and you may be able to exercise for longer periods.
2. It May Fight Depression
Magnesium has been found to be integral to brain function, which includes your mood. When your magnesium levels are low, you may be more prone to developing depression.
3. It May Lower Your Diabetes Risk
Managing blood sugar levels are critical in preventing and managing type 2 diabetes. According to recent studies, magnesium can help to