Magnesium is an important nutrient. This multi-functional mineral appears to be crucial to health and well-being. And this is not an exaggeration, considering that magnesium is indispensable in many biochemical reactions of the human body. Thanks to this mineral, 300 enzyme processes take place, in particular, energy is produced. It is also a key element for normal mental health.
1. Magnesium improves memory
It is very common to come across research results that indicate that more than half of the population in industrialized countries does not consume the minimum required amount of magnesium:
- The consequences of this deficiency begin to manifest in adulthood. At this stage of life, many cognitive skills begin to lose strength.
- It strengthens the synapses located in the hippocampus (the part of the brain that helps store information in long-term memory).
- At the same time, this mineral performs important functions in the prefrontal cortex.
- Thanks to magnesium, the brain can reproduce memories stored in short-term memory.
Magnesium also strengthens synaptic nerve endings, which are responsible for transmitting and storing information, memories, data, etc.
2. Magnesium stimulates the learning process
Many of us think that learning ability declines with age.
Of course, when a person is 70, his ability to absorb information is not at all the same as that of a 3-year-old child. However, the brain must be perceived as it is because it is an incredible organ with amazing capabilities:
- It never completely loses its plasticity and ability to form new connections. In other words, if you work your brain like a muscle and take good care of it, you’re guaranteed to maintain good cognitive abilities into adulthood.
- Magnesium supplements are one way to achieve this.
- Thanks to magnesium, the interaction between nerve cells improves, as well as stimulates memory, and improves mood and the assimilation of information.
3. It reduces stress
When we suffer from excessive stress, the level of cortisol in the blood rises to a critical level.
Excess cortisol damages the structure of the brain, namely the hippocampus.
Such a negative influence leads to gaps in memory. It is more difficult for a person to concentrate, and negative emotions become even more pronounced.
It is also worth noting that magnesium affects hormones. Thanks to its action, the level of cortisol decreases and a person better controls the reaction to stress.
In addition, magnesium acts as a blood-brain barrier. In other words, it prevents stress hormones from entering the brain.
4. Magnesium can prevent the development of Alzheimer’s disease
By itself, magnesium does not protect anyone from developing Alzheimer’s disease. Yes, it is very useful, but it is not a panacea:
- Nevertheless, it reduces the risk of Alzheimer’s disease to some extent.
- The fact is that magnesium prevents the accumulation of amyloid plaques in the hippocampus of the brain.
- It also reduces the number of these plaques in the prefrontal cortex.
5. Magnesium reduces anxiety and improves concentration
- It is the most important component of cells. The thing is that it acts as fuel for biological processes in the body.
- The brain is the organ that requires the most energy. It also needs a lot of magnesium.
- If you cannot overcome anxiety or stress for a long time, nothing will help you as effectively as a magnesium diet.
- In other words, you need to eat as many foods as possible with the content of this mineral.
- In addition, it is worth consulting a doctor to find out if you can take this supplement and the necessary doses.
Picture Credit: VistaCreate