Recent research suggests that magnesium may be one of the most overlooked nutrients, despite its deep impact on health and its role in preventing serious problems such as obesity and diabetes.
According to clinical nutritionist Nour Qahwaji, who spoke to Enab Baladi, magnesium is not just an ordinary mineral, but is involved in more than 300 vital reactions inside the body.
The nutritionist emphasized the importance of this element in regulating blood sugar levels, supporting muscle and nerve functions, and helping produce energy.
Metabolic Syndrome
More importantly, according to Qahwaji, magnesium is directly linked to what is known as metabolic syndrome, a group of conditions that include increased fat around the abdomen, high blood pressure, insulin resistance, and blood lipid disorders.
This syndrome is considered a gateway to more serious diseases, such as type 2 diabetes and heart disease.
People who consume higher amounts of magnesium also have a lower risk of developing it, by up to 20% to 21%, according to the nutritionist, who considered this a significant figure, especially as the syndrome has become widespread because of modern lifestyles.
How Does Magnesium Work Inside the Body?
One of magnesium’s most important roles is improving insulin sensitivity, according to Qahwaji. In other words, it helps the body use blood sugar more efficiently instead of storing it as fat.
Imagine two people eating the same meal. One has good magnesium levels, and their body will handle sugar better, while the other may suffer repeated spikes in blood sugar that, over time, lead to weight gain and insulin resistance.
Many people also suffer from constant fatigue, cravings for sweets, or muscle cramps without realizing that magnesium deficiency may be the cause.
According to the clinical nutritionist, this deficiency does not always appear in routine tests, but it gradually affects human health.
Qahwaji said modern diets often lack this mineral, noting that processed foods, which have become a basic part of our lives, contain very low levels of magnesium compared with natural foods.
By contrast, its good sources, according to the nutritionist, include:
She noted that adding these foods simply to the daily diet could make a major difference in the long term.
Using Magnesium Supplements
Qahwaji recommended obtaining this mineral from natural food, as it comes with other elements that enhance its absorption.
Supplements may be useful in cases of deficiency, provided they are used cautiously and under the supervision of a specialist.
The clinical nutritionist concluded her remarks to Enab Baladi by stressing that there is no single magical element that solves all health problems, but magnesium comes close to being a “missing piece” in the puzzle of modern health. She emphasized that paying attention to it is not a luxury, but a smart step toward preventing problems that may take years to appear.
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