Magnesium, what is it good for?

Magnesium is an essential mineral for the body; what is it good for and how do you get it? 

What is magnesium?

Magnesium is a mineral that is used in almost all of your body's processes, and therefore it is of great importance. It has a direct influence on the production of muscle and bone tissue, it supports your nervous system, it aids energy production, and it ensures that various enzymes function better. 

The benefits of magnesium

Research It has also been shown that magnesium helps against depression. People with lower magnesium intake were at a higher risk of developing depressive symptoms in this study. It also helps you sleep better; by influencing your nervous system, it helps your brain shut down at night, thereby improving sleep quality. Magnesium also has a positive effect against high blood pressure, and it appears to help in preventing type 2 diabetes. 

If you exercise a lot, you may need some extra, as you consume more magnesium during sports than when you are sitting still all day. Additionally, there is a research where athletes who received magnesium supplements were able to deliver better sports performance than athletes who did not receive them. 

Magnesium supplements, yes or no?

Magnesium supplements can be very beneficial for your health, but be careful. There is also such a thing as too much magnesium. This is not immediately very dangerous but can lead to unpleasant digestive issues and diarrhea. 

Is there magnesium in my daily diet? 

Fortunately, magnesium is also found in a lot of food, so with a healthy diet, you don't have to worry too much about a deficiency. You can find large amounts in various types of nuts, but there are also healthy amounts in products like whole grain bread, bananas, chicken breast, spinach, and soy or regular milk. So stay healthy and prevent a magnesium deficiency.