The benefits of magnesium

Magnesium is appearing in so many forms nowadays, but what does it do and why is it so beneficial to the body as well as the mind?

Magnesium is an essential mineral that plays a vital role in the body and mind. It supports muscles, regulates blood sugar, assists to maintain healthy blood pressure and is crucial to bone health. In addition it has a positive effect on our mind and mood.

Magnesium also helps neurotransmitters in the brain to reduce levels of the stress hormone cortisol, promoting relaxation and improving mood.

Magnesium is also seen as a supplement to support sleep health, promoting muscle health, relaxation and sleep.

Magnesium can help reduce lactic acid which builds up during exercise, reducing fatigue as well as muscle soreness.

Magnesium is often taken as a supplement but also comes from an array of delicious foods that can be obtained through a balanced diet.

For example leafy greens, nuts and seeds and whole grains all being yummy sources. More of these beneficial foods are below which include:

We love a food based approach first, but for convenience or as recommended by your healthcare practitioner, over the counter magnesium supplements are often used to boost magnesium intake. Supplements come in many forms such as tablets, bath salts and even sprays.

Supplements are seen as a popular choice to reduce muscle cramps caused through exercise fatigue, helping muscles to relax.

Supplements also have a use for assisting with sleep, lowering the stress hormone cortisol whilst calming the nervous system via GABA receptors and in melatonin production.

By including a rich array of magnesium rich foods in your daily diet will boost the body with so many other vitamins and minerals too.

If you’re looking for some recipes to try, visit our life blog for ideas, why not try one this week!