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MAIN
Health
Vitamins
& Minerals
Magnesium
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Magnesium
Fast Facts
Foods:
pumpkin seeds, sunflower
seeds, peanuts, cashews, soy nuts,
corn, tofu, spinach
What
it's good for:
nervous system & muscle function,
strong bones
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Magnesium,
which is known as Mg on the periodic table, has literally
hundreds of roles in the human body, making it an extremely
important trace mineral.
Some of magnesium's more important roles in the body include
regulating the relaxation and contraction of muscles, the
production of proteins, and even the production and transportation
of energy throughout the body.
Magnesium also has several important health benefits, one
of which is that it reduces the risk of developing cardiovascular
disease.
In one study, researchers found that those who drank water
deficient in magnesium were far more likely to develop cardiovascular
disease. The same research study estimated that if magnesium
were added to the water supply much like fluoride
is, the death rate due to cardiovascular disease would drop
by a total of 150,000 deaths per year across the United States.
Studies have also shown that magnesium has a substantial health
benefit to those suffering from attention deficit hyperactivity
disorder. One of the effects of attention deficit hyperactivity
disorder is that those afflicted typically have abnormally
low levels of magnesium in their blood. Researchers found
that when those with ADHD
were given magnesium supplements they experienced reduced
aggressiveness, hyperactivity, and even improved attention
spans.
Another health benefit of magnesium is the positive effect
it has on autism.
Like those who suffer from ADHD, those afflicted with autism
typically have very low levels of magnesium in their blood.
Researchers have demonstrated that when those with autism
and other pervasive developmental disorders are given magnesium
supplements, many experience reduced autism symptoms, improved
social interactions and improved communication.
For those looking to bolster their magnesium intake naturally,
there are several foods that contain high amounts of magnesium.
Green vegetables such as spinach are particularly high in
magnesium, and nuts, seeds, and many whole grains are also
excellent sources.
More
about magnesium around the Web:
Magnesium
- Offering
pages of links to information, research, and magnesium studies
related to heart disease, pregnancy-related problems, athletic
training, osteoporosis and a host of other conditions.
The
Magnesium Web Site - Another great cache of articles
and research, sponsored by the Healthy Water Association,
linking magnesium deficiencies with stress and behavorial
problems to hypertension and asthma.
MedlinePlus
Medical Encyclopedia: Magnesium in diet - A brief
definition, its function in human metabolism, suggested food
sources, toxity levels and recommended daily allowances.
Nutrition
Fact Sheet: Magnesium - Function, interaction with
other nutrients, causes and symptoms of deficiency, daily
requirements by age level, and food sources by serving and
milligram levels.
The
Importance of Magnesium to Human Nutrition
- An explanation of its enzymatic reactions in the human body,
with its suggested use in a variety of disorders, with a discussion
on the causes, symptoms, diagnosis, treatment and prevention
of deficiencies.
also
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