A new study has found why a magnesium-rich diet is so important to our health
A new Australian study shows the important role a magnesium-rich diet plays in our health.
As scientists have noted, such a diet reduces the risk of DNA damage, as well as the risk of chronic degenerative disorders.
Scientists at the University of South Australia analyzed blood samples from 172 middle-aged adults and found a strong link between low levels of magnesium and high levels of genotoxic amino acids. homocysteine.
This toxic compound damages the body’s genes, making people more susceptible to Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s diseases, gastrointestinal diseases, several cancers and diabetes.
Whole grains, dark green leafy vegetables, nuts, beans, and dark chocolate are magnesium-rich foods.It helps the body produce energy, build teeth and bones, regulate blood sugar and blood pressure, and ensures proper functioning of the heart, muscles, and kidneys.
UniSA molecular biologist Dr Permal Deo says low magnesium intake (less than 300mg per day) may increase the risk of many diseases, but its role in preventing DNA damage has not yet been fully studied in humans.
“Our study showed a direct association between low blood magnesium levels (less than 18 mg/L) and increased DNA damage, even after adjusting for gender and age,” said Dr. Deo.
“Blood levels of magnesium, homocysteine (Hcy), folate, and vitamin B12 were measured, showing an inverse correlation between magnesium and homocysteine and a positive correlation between magnesium, folate, and vitamin B12. This suggests that increased homocysteine is caused by folic acid and vitamin B12 deficiency. “Magnesium levels in the blood must be high enough to protect our genes from toxicity.”
Professor Michael Fenech, one of the authors of the study, says that chronic magnesium deficiency is likely to impair the body’s ability to produce energy and energy-producing cells, accelerate tissue aging and make people more susceptible to the early onset of many diseases. .
Magnesium is the fourth most abundant mineral present in the human body. It acts as a cofactor for more than 600 enzymes, and about 200 enzymes are needed to activate critical processes in the body.
“The next step is to determine the optimal dietary intake of magnesium through food or supplements and how this may affect the onset or progression of cancer and other chronic diseases,” Professor Fenech said.
The results were published in the European Journal of Nutrition.