From regulating blood sugar levels and supporting bone health to helping with stress and sleep, magnesium is crucial for your brain and body.

Yet, although it’s found in a variety of foods ranging from leafy greens to nuts, seeds, and beans, many of us don’t get enough in our diet.

In this blog post, we’ll discuss the benefits of magnesium and its best dietary sources, so you can ensure you’re getting enough of this mighty mineral.

 

1. Magnesium and Blood Sugar Regulation

One of the most significant benefits of magnesium is its role in regulating blood sugar levels. Magnesium helps insulin transport glucose into your cells, ensuring that your body can use it for energy efficiently. Ensuring adequate magnesium levels can protect against conditions such as prediabetes and type 2 diabetes, making this nutrient essential for maintaining overall health.

 

2. Magnesium and Stress Reduction

Many of us experience stress in our daily lives, which can take a toll on our mental and physical health. Fortunately, magnesium can help. Studies have shown that magnesium supplements may help reduce feelings of anxiety and depression, making it a great natural remedy for managing stress. Looking for more help? Click here for 10 Ways to Boost Your Mood Everyday.

 

3. Magnesium and Bone Health

Magnesium is also essential for maintaining healthy bones. This nutrient works alongside calcium to keep your bones strong and healthy, and adequate magnesium intake has been linked to a reduced risk of osteoporosis in later life.

 

4. Magnesium and Blood Pressure

High blood pressure is a significant risk factor for heart disease, one of the leading causes of death worldwide. Fortunately, magnesium intake may help to lower blood pressure levels in people with hypertension, which can help to protect against heart disease over time.

 

5. Magnesium and Sleep

Magnesium may also have benefits for promoting better sleep. This nutrient helps to promote relaxation and calm, making it a great supplement for anyone struggling to fall asleep or stay asleep throughout the night. For more sleep tips, head to our Why You Need A Sleep Routine blog.

 

6. Magnesium and Gut Health

Magnesium draws water into the intestines, which softens and increases the size of the stool. This helps to make stools easier to pass. Magnesium is a relaxant for muscles which can include your digestive tract.  When the body is stressed the muscles contract. Now, that’s all well and good, unless it is a chronic state that many find themselves in.  When your digestive tract is contracted, it might cause symptoms like diarrhea or constipation.  Need more digestive tips? Head to our Tackling Digestive Woes: 4 Do’s and Don’ts blog.

 

Good Sources of Magnesium:

Although magnesium supplements are readily available, it’s always best to try to get your nutrients from whole food sources where possible. Fortunately, there are plenty of delicious foods that are high in magnesium, including spinach, pumpkin seeds, Swiss chard, dark chocolate, chia seeds, black beans, and almonds.

Magnesium is an essential nutrient that plays a vital role in many bodily functions. Unfortunately, many of us don’t get enough of this nutrient in our diets, which can lead to negative health consequences over time.

However, by eating a diet rich in magnesium sources and considering supplementation, if necessary, you can ensure you’re getting enough of this vital mineral for optimal health and well-being.

You may want to consider some savvy supplementation if you’re not getting all the necessary nutrients and minerals from food.

Our Zenwise® customer service team can answer all your questions and steer you in the right direction. Reach them at support@zenwise.com or M-F from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. EST at (800) 940-1972.