Magnesium is one of the most important elements not only in our human body but the ecosystem as a whole. Without magnesium, experts say that we would not be able to produce energy and who knows, maybe we would have never existed as well. Magnesium is very important, especially in the human body where it is responsible for various reactions and metabolism that you will learn in this article.
What are The Functions of Magnesium?
Why does magnesium play a very important role in a person’s body? Well, the secret lies in how the ions are able to work with the body’s cells and execute different functions properly. After continued researches, students and medical experts have come up with the following functions of magnesium:
1. Magnesium Gives Power to the Enzymes
For over 300 biochemical reactions that require enzymes in your body, magnesium must be present for the sequence to be complete. Basically, all the nutrients that you consume serve the purpose of providing energy, building blocks for body structures and providing the necessary elements to complete the different reactions taking place in the human body.
Some of the enzymatic reactions where magnesium is paramount include breakdown of sugars in the gut, providing the right acidity and heat levels and completing the varying reactions that take place in the fragile parts of your body. Generally, without magnesium in your body systems, the enzymes would not be able to complete their basic functions. This, of course, would be very fatal.
2. Magnesium is The Main Source of The Body’s Energy
According to what medical experts have to say, magnesium plays a huge role in providing the right ingredients in all the energy production processes in the body. The molecule by the name adenosine tri-phosphate, famously known as ATP, is responsible for providing the body cells with all the energy needed for their proper functioning. Some of these functions include:
- Contraction of the muscle fiber
- Synthesizing proteins
- Production of new body cells
- Transporting substances across the cell barriers
Using the layman’s language, we can say that magnesium is the fuel behind the human’s body cell’s activities in the exact same way vehicles need gas for them to function properly. For instance, the mitochondria would not be able to converts glucose, fatty acids and amino acids into other useful substances in the body without the aid of ATP, which in turn depends on magnesium. It is also through the same interdependence that tissues can classify, blood vessels can be distinguished properly and muscles can move properly amongst other activities.
3. Magnesium is Responsible for Protecting the Body’s DNA
The fact that the deficiency of magnesium in a person’s body will lead to reduced synthesis of the DNA further underlines the importance of the mineral in the human body. DNA gives the body its genetic code is responsible for reproduction. From childhood up until old age, the body creates new DNA that replace the old ones with one DNA estimated to have a lifespan of about 7 years. In that case, it is important that this process remains stable or we will witness some unwanted characteristics such as mutation.
However, it is important to note that the DNA will only remain stable if magnesium is present in the body. Magnesium is responsible for stabilizing the DNA structures and serving as a cofactor in their repairs and adaptations to environmental changes.
Moreover, in combination with ATP, magnesium plays a huge role in the production of RNA, without which reading of the DNA would be impossible thereby inhibiting reproduction.
4. Magnesium Plays a Part in the Balancing of Minerals in the Body
Even though magnesium is a mineral in itself, it takes it upon itself to regulate how the other minerals perform in the body. Did you know that each cell in your body must have certain amounts of minerals? Through a process known as homeostasis, magnesium ensures that each body cells have the right levels of minerals such as calcium, sodium and potassium. Magnesium also limits the effects of these minerals on the body cells.
Normally, the body gives room for mineral ions to pass in and out of the body cells. This depends on the concentration of the ions at either ends and their need. However, it is not always that there would be a balance of the mineral ions on the interior and exterior parts of the body cells and that is where magnesium becomes important.
5. Bone Health Depends on Magnesium
This is perhaps one of the most famous functions of magnesium in the human body. People with inadequate levels of magnesium in their body will have problems in their bone development. According to renowned doctors, magnesium alters how the human body metabolizes calcium and the hormones that regulate calcium. At the end of the day, the body has healthy and strong bones. Research also shows that magnesium might also improve the bone mineral density therefore preventing osteoporosis.
6. Blood Pressure Regulation
In a study conducted in 2008 and published by the Nutrition in Clinic Practice that taking foods rich in magnesium helped in regulating blood pressure. Foods that contain magnesium in high levels help improve serum lipid profiles as well.
How to Deal with Magnesium Deficiency
Now that we have learnt that magnesium is very crucial in the well being of the human body, how do I deal with my magnesium deficiency? Well, if you are probably wondering about the same, the solution is very simple; ensure that you take food rich in magnesium every day. These may include green leafy vegetables such as spinach and kale, fruits, nuts, seeds, legumes and seafood such as salmon and tuna.
Magnesium is one of the very important minerals in a human body. In fact, without magnesium, you would not be able to go about your daily activities. Magnesium is responsible for regulating blood pressure, providing the body with energy, aid in bone development and balancing other minerals in the body. In that case, it is only wise to keep your magnesium levels in check by taking foods rich in magnesium.