Latest research from Mexico has again highlighted the powerful benefits of magnesium for preventing heart disease and high blood pressure.
In the study, scientists’ surveyed 1276 men and women aged between 30-75, with no prior signs or symptoms of cardiovascular disease. They discovered that participants with the highest levels of serum magnesium had 48% lower odds of high blood pressure and 42% lower odds of coronary artery calcification (the process of calcium being deposited in artery walls, increasing arterial stiffness and inflexibility). Furthermore, for every 0.17mg/dl increment in magnesium levels, there was a 16% lower risk of developing hardened arteries.
Magnesium is renowned for its cardiovascular benefits and is recognised as being a vital component for over 300 biochemical reactions in the body. Energy production in every cell is dependent on magnesium supply and its actions on smooth muscle function make it invaluable for supporting the health and flexibility of blood vessel walls. It is also a powerfully alkalising mineral, supporting pH balance and counteracting pH imbalance in tissues.
This new research adds to the weight of evidence advocating magnesium as a key part of any heart health plan. There are many benefits of a Mediterranean diet for heart health, including food sources such as green leafy vegetables, as well as almonds, cashew nuts and buckwheat. For additional support, magnesium citrate supplements can be used as citrate forms of minerals offer high levels of absorption and bioavailability so you can be confident of taking the right steps for cardiovascular wellbeing.
References
Posadas-Sanchez R et al (2016) Serum magnesium is inversely associated with coronary artery calcification in the Genetics of Atherosclerotic Disease (GEA) study. Nutr J DOI: 10.1186/s12937-016-0143-3 Full paper
