Magnesium is an essential mineral that our body requires to function optimally. Having a magnesium deficiency can lead to many negative issues such as anxiety, sleep problems, poor digestion, heightened PMS symptoms and muscle spasms. Magnesium is also very important for heart health. Thus, it is vital to make sure you are obtaining enough magnesium.
5 Benefits of Magnesium
1) Improving Sleep
Magnesium can aid in muscle relaxation and calming nerves. It also helps the body create serotonin (the ‘happy’ hormone), thus leading to a better night’s sleep.
2) Relieving Constipation
Magnesium helps to relax the muscles in the intestinal tract and attracts water to the colon. The increase of water can help soften stool.
3) Improving Energy
Magnesium works together with a coenzyme called Adenosine triphosphate (ATP), which creates energy in our body. Without enough magnesium, you could become tired more easily.
4) A Healthy Heart
Magnesium helps our body maintain healthy blood pressure levels. It regulates the level of calcium, potassium and sodium in our body to ensure that our heart pumps blood properly.
5) Prevent Migraines
Magnesium aids in blood circulation and decreases the tightening of blood vessels that increase blood pressure. It can also decrease migraines by releasing hormones that reduce pain.
To ensure that you obtain enough magnesium, you can eat a nutrient dense diet including the following foods that are high in magnesium.
Foods with magnesium:
– Leafy greens like spinach, broccoli, swiss chard, kale
– Raw cacao nibs/powder
– Fatty fish
– Nuts and seeds
– Avocado
– Papaya
– Banana
