Magnesium is one of the most important macro mineral and acts as coenzymes and regulate over 300 biochemical reactions in the body. Magnesium ions in the blood is involved in Energy production by aiding in generation of ATPs.
The Energy produced in the form of ATP is used by the body for processes like muscle contraction, cell reproduction, protein synthesis, transport of substances across the cell membranes. Lack of magnesium in our body, will lead to insufficient energy production for various physiological processes in the body. Our muscles will not be able to contract and relax normally and there would be blood lipid derangements. It also controls building and repair of new cells.
Apart from that it also relieves us from muscle cramps and pulls and r e g u l a t e s our blood p r e s s u r e . Magnesium also helps in prevention of management of blood sugar. It also helps to improve bone mineral density and has preventive effect on osteoporosis. But often, the importance of this mineral is ignored and meeting daily requirements becomes a challenge.
Food items like dark chocolate, avocados, nuts, legumes are rich in magnesium. Oil seeds like chia seeds, flax seeds, pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds and quinoa are some of the healthy source of the minerals. We should include the various food sources of magnesium and pay attention to your micronutrient intake? This way we can achieve sufficient intakes of the same.
DIVYA PURUSHOTHAM
sanonutritionclinic
The writer is founder and chief nutritionist at Sano Holistic Nutrition Clinic