Magnesium is a crucial mineral that is necessary for more than 300 biochemical processes in the body. Here are some important reasons why magnesium matters for men’s health:
- Magnesium boosts levels of free testosterone: Free testosterone accounts for less than four percent of the total testosterone in the body and is responsible for men’s sexual health and a stronger sex drive. A study has shown that men who took magnesium supplements daily for four weeks experienced a rise in both free and total testosterone levels.
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Magnesium improves bone strength and integrity: Magnesium plays a major role in stimulating a hormone called calcitonin, which helps regulate the amount of calcium involved in building bone. Greater intake of magnesium has been shown to be significantly related to greater bone mass density.
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Magnesium enhances exercise recovery and performance: A decline in magnesium levels can impair your exercise performance, slow recovery times, and increase the risk of injury. Magnesium supplementation has been found to significantly reduce DNA damage in athletes and improve both resting and post-exercise blood pressure.
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Magnesium helps you sleep better: Magnesium is necessary for the hormone melatonin to function properly, which plays a major role in the sleep/wake cycle. A study has shown that elderly individuals who took magnesium daily showed significant increases in sleep time, sleep efficiency, and melatonin.
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Magnesium helps balance mood: Magnesium is necessary to maintain a balanced mood and proper nervous system function. A study has shown that magnesium can be helpful in treating depression, as it can increase levels of the brain chemical serotonin.
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Magnesium helps develop stronger muscles: Magnesium plays a key role in the production of insulin-like growth factor (IGF-1), which is necessary for muscle growth and strength. It is also an integral part of the production of ATP, which fuels your cells.
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Magnesium improves muscle flexibility: Magnesium is necessary for muscles to relax and contract properly. A study has shown that taking magnesium may have a positive effect on performance by reducing lactate levels.
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Magnesium supports cardiovascular health: Magnesium has been shown to help reduce blood pressure and lower the risk of stroke and sudden cardiac death, as well as having a significant impact on reducing the risk of cardiovascular disease.
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Magnesium helps prevent diabetes: Magnesium is necessary to boost secretion of insulin, which helps control blood glucose levels. A steady adequate intake of magnesium can be beneficial in reducing the risk of developing type 2 diabetes.
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Magnesium supports oral health: Magnesium is an important building block for teeth, being responsible for the hardness of tooth enamel. It also appears to play a role in preventing periodontal disease, which is characterized by swollen and bleeding gums, loose teeth, and pain.
By maintaining a sufficient intake of magnesium, men can support their overall health and well-being. Ensure to include magnesium-rich foods in your diet and consult your healthcare provider about the appropriate supplementation to meet your individual needs.
