Maintaining proper magnesium levels lower diabetes risk by 37%

(NaturalNews) Sufficient magnesium intake may help deter the onset of diabetes, particularly in those exhibiting precursor symptoms, according to a new study conducted by researchers at Tufts University in Medford, Massachusetts.

One of the most overlooked minerals, magnesium is essential for good health, as its versatility meets a variety of the body's needs. It's responsible for over 300 different chemical reactions, including keeping your energy levels up, assisting with relaxation, providing optimal heart health and digesting proteins, carbs and fats.

Led by Adela Hruby, Ph.D., new research found that healthy people with the highest magnesium intake were 37 percent less likely to develop high blood sugar or excess circulating insulin, a precursor for diabetes.

Patients exhibiting early signs of diabetes benefited significantly from adequate magnesium consumption. Those who consumed the most magnesium were 32 percent less likely to develop diabetes compared with their counterparts who incorporated very little of the mineral into their diet.

Consuming plenty of whole grains, fish, veggies, dark chocolate, nuts and seeds can help lower your risk of developing diabetes

Published in the journal Diabetes Care, the study was part of the Framingham Heart Study, a project launched in 1948 aimed at understanding the circumstances surrounding cardiovascular disease, the leading cause of death and serious illness in the U.S.

More than 5,000 men and women between the ages of 30 and 62 from the town of Framingham, Massachusetts, were recruited to participate in the first round of extensive physical examination and lifestyle interviews. In 1971, the study enrolled a second generation of the original volunteers' adult children and their spouses to participate in similar examinations.

New generations were incorporated into the project in 1994, 2002 and 2003, providing extensive data as the result of careful monitoring. High blood pressure, high blood cholesterol, smoking, obesity, diabetes and physical inactivity were identified as major risk factors for poor heart health.

The results of the most recent study were reached after scientists followed more than 2,500 volunteers, with an average age of 54, in the Framingham Heart Study Offspring cohort for seven years.

Even when accounting for the health benefits of fiber, which are often found in magnesium-rich foods, the same results held true. Magnesium appeared to be primarily responsible for preventing diabetes in those that are at high risk for disease.

"Only half of Americans get the recommended daily amount of magnesium in their diet, which is 400 to 420 milligrams for adult men and 310 to 320 milligrams for adult women"

Modern-day science continues to unlock the hidden benefits of magnesium, one of six essential macro-minerals that comprise 99 percent of the body's mineral content, according to Ancient-Minerals.com.

By activating digestion, magnesium enables the body to produce energy.

"Magnesium is required for the body to produce and store energy. Without magnesium, there is no energy, no movement, no life. It's that simple," said Dr. Carolyn Dean, a naturopath who specializes in the importance of magnesium.

This crucial mineral not only keeps our organs functioning properly but holds therapeutic value in that it can be used for treating headaches, chronic pain, asthma and sleep disorders. Magnesium deficiencies have also been linked to deep depression, as the mineral is vital for ensuring adequate serotonin production.

Want healthy bones? Eat more magnesium

New research shows that magnesium is the most important mineral if you want to have healthy bones. Nutritionists now suggest magnesium instead of calcium for maintaining bone strength, volume and development. In fact, too much calcium combined with low magnesium levels can result in muscle spasms.

Sources:

http://medicalxpress.com

http://www.doctoroz.com

https://www.framinghamheartstudy.org

http://www.naturalnews.com

http://www.ancient-minerals.com

http://vitamins.lovetoknow.com