7 Surprising Magnesium Benefits You Don't Know

Let's talk about the health benefits of magnesium.

Magnesium is a fascinating and important mineral that's involved in over 350 enzymes in the body. Enzymes speed up the chemical reactions in the body, and they don't deplete their energy in the process.

Well-known benefits of magnesium:

• It supports the heart

• It may help with muscle cramping

• It supports sleep

• It may help reduce anxiety

• It may help promote relaxation

• It supports the flexibility of the arteries

• It may help with headaches

• It may help with problems related to the nerves and muscles

Surprising benefits of magnesium:

1. It may help regulate LDL cholesterol and triglycerides and increase HDL

2. It helps make ATP (energy in the body)

3. It helps regulate adrenaline, cortisol, and ACTH—and counters oxidative stress from these hormones

4. It's involved in enzymes related to lecithin (the antidote to cholesterol)

5. It's a natural calcium channel blocker, beta blocker, and antithrombotic

6. It helps regulate blood sugar levels

7. It's involved in making DNA

Many people don't consume enough magnesium, which can cause a magnesium deficiency and lead to various health issues.

Magnesium-rich foods:

• Foods high in chlorophyll (dark leafy green vegetables)

• Nuts and pumpkin seeds

• Dark chocolate (sugar-free)

• Sea kelp

• Avocado

• Low-sodium sea salt

Here are the top things that can cause you to become magnesium deficient:

• Refined sugar and refined carbs

• Alcohol

• Diuretics

• Diarrhea

• Low stomach acid

• Certain gene variations

The type of magnesium supplement I would take, if needed, is magnesium glycinate.