Beef liver is one of the best sources of magnesium — 100 mg of beef liver contains 14-25 mg of magnesium.
Magnesium is essential for regulating blood glucose, maintaining the strength of bones and teeth, keeping blood pressure in check, and producing energy.
Here, we explain what this often-ignored vital micronutrient is, how it helps you thrive, and why you should get it from beef liver.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
What is Magnesium?
Magnesium is an important micronutrient needed for keeping fluid balance in the body.
The human body contains almost 25g of magnesium on average, most of which is found in bone and teeth and rest in soft tissues and body fluids. Magnesium is a cofactor (catalyst) for over 200 enzymatic processes in the body.
The recommended dietary allowance (RDA) is different for different age groups. For males between 19 to 50 years old it is 400 to 420 mg and for females of same age it is 310 to 320 mg.
Why do you Need Magnesium?
Here’s why you need magnesium:
- It helps in the synthesis of proteins.
- It has a documented role in maintaining the activity of nervous tissues and muscles.
- It is the regulator of blood glucose. People with diabetes may have a problem with their magnesium levels. Low magnesium can lead to diabetes.
- It regulates blood pressure. Abnormal magnesium levels can have drastic effects on your blood pressure.
- Low magnesium levels can reduce your energy levels. Adenosine 5′-triphosphate (ATP) is the principal molecule for storing and transferring energy in cells generated through processes of oxidative phosphorylation and glycolysis. Magnesium is essential in such energy deriving pathways.
- Magnesium helps in the normal development of bones and teeth. Low magnesium can make your teeth brittle and weaken your bones.
- It maintains the integrity of your genetic machinery (e.g., DNA and RNA). It aids in normal translation and transcription processes of cell division. Abnormal magnesium levels pose the risk of mutations at the level of cell division.
- Magnesium is helpful in the production of Glutathione (an antioxidant agent which prevents free radical injuries).
- It maintains the integrity of your cell membranes as it helps in active transport of various ions (e.g, calcium and potassium). Integral cell membranes are necessary for the integrity of your organs.
- Magnesium is essential for nerve impulses conduction. Every stimulus you feel is due to proper nerve conduction.
- The rhythmic activity of the heart medically known as “systole and diastole” is maintained by proper magnesium levels.
In short, magnesium is essential for your body to function properly.
Conclusion: Eat Beef Liver for Magnesium
To conclude, magnesium deficiency can lead to various diseases, which can effectively be prevented by proper intake of dietary magnesium through various foods.
Beef liver is the perfect source of magnesium, and is vital for any healthy diet.
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