Some minerals are well-known for their health benefits; everyone seems to know, for instance, that calcium is good for the bones and that human blood is rich in Iron products. One mineral, however, is often overlooked – magnesium. Not only does this mineral play a vital role in the human body on its own; it also helps other nutrients, such as calcium, Vitamin D and potassium, perform better.

Magnesium Supplements in FoodThe Role of Magnesium in the Body

Healthy levels of magnesium are necessary for over 300 biochemical processes in the body. Some of the important roles magnesium plays are:

  • Regulating heart rhythm
  • Converting Vitamin D into its active form in the bloodstream
  • Making it possible for calcium to be absorbed in the intestinal tract
  • Helping calcium dissolve into solution in the bloodstream
  • Helping bones to absorb nutrients from the blood
  • Metabolizing carbohydrates and regulating insulin activity
  • Maintaining healthy muscle function
  • Helping to prevent calcification of blood vessels
  • Synthesizing proteins, DNA, RNA, and antioxidants

Prevention of Chronic Diseases

Due to its usefulness in almost every system in the human body, magnesium is a key factor in maintaining overall health and preventing chronic diseases. Healthy levels of magnesium could reduce your risk for chronic disease as follows:

  • Magnesium helps bones absorb calcium and other nutrients from the blood stream. In addition, healthy levels of magnesium have been linked to higher bone density. For these reasons, it may reduce the risk of osteoporosis.
  • The role of magnesium in carbohydrate metabolism and insulin activity make it a vital mineral for maintaining healthy blood sugar levels. People who consume enough magnesium in their everyday diet are thought to be only half as likely to develop diabetes over a 20-year period.
  • By keeping calcium in solution (liquid form), the risk of kidney stones may be lessened.
  • Adding magnesium to the diet of a person low in potassium may significantly raise the amount of potassium available.

Heart Health

An enormous amount of evidence supports the idea that magnesium supplements may improve heart health and reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease. This is possible because this particular mineral:

  • Helps to lower blood pressure by relaxing blood vessels and improving blood flow;
  • Naturally balances cholesterol levels by increasing HDL (“good”) cholesterol and lowering LDL (“bad”) cholesterol;
  • Improves calcium absorption from the blood, which decreases dangerous calcification and clogging of the arteries;
  • Regulates muscle contractions and heart rhythm.

All of these factors combine to make a significant difference in overall heart health. A statistic from one study by the American Society for Nutrition showed that the subjects with the lowest levels of magnesium in their bloodstream were 70% more likely to die from heart disease!

Additional Information

One of the best ways to increase your consumption of magnesium is to eat more leafy green vegetables, fish, and legumes such as beans and lentils. All-natural supplements are also an option. Magnesium supplements are a natural, easy way to safely increase levels of magnesium. Living Clean also offers magnesium-sulfate (Epsom salts) that can be used in therapeutic baths to soothe sore muscles, flush out toxins, and ease migraines.

Be sure to read more about heart health and all-natural supplements on the Living Clean Blog:

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