Heart disease is the number-one cause of death in the United States, so there is naturally a lot of interest in how to reduce cholesterol levels. Magnesium is essential to good health and has been linked to reducing cholesterol. Be sure before changing your diet or taking magnesium to speak with your doctor.
What Is Magnesium
Magnesium is a mineral in the body that is mostly found in bone. Every organ needs magnesium because it activates enzymes, contributes to energy production and helps regulate calcium levels as well as copper, zinc, potassium, vitamin D and other important nutrients in the body, explains the University of Maryland Medical Center. It is thought that most people in the United States are not receiving as much magnesium as required. Recommended levels are 270 to 400 mg daily for adolescent and adult males, and 280 to 300 mg daily for adolescent and adult females.
Where to Find Magnesium
You can find magnesium in foods such as whole grains, nuts and green vegetables. The National Institutes of Health explains that spinach is one of the best sources of magnesium because the center of the chlorophyll molecule, which makes vegetables green, contains magnesium. Dietary magnesium is absorbed in the small intestines and excreted through the kidneys. Someone with a diet high in these foods items can still have low magnesium because overconsumption of coffee, soda, salt, or alcohol, and menstrual periods, excessive sweating, and prolonged stress can deplete magnesium levels. You can also find magnesium in a supplement form, although all supplements should be discussed with your doctor first.
What Is Cholesterol
Cholesterol is a waxy substance produced in the body. There are two types of cholesterol: bad cholesterol, or LDL, and good cholesterol, or HDL. HDL keeps LDL from getting lodged into your artery walls. The American Heart Association explains that HDL may also protect against heart attack and stroke. LDL cholesterol can circulate in the blood, clog arteries and increase your risk of heart attack and stroke. Ideally LDL levels should be below 100 mg/dL and HDL should be above 50 mg/dL. If you have questions about what your cholesterol is, be sure to speak with your doctor.
Magnesium and Lowering Cholesterol
There is an increased interest in the role of magnesium in preventing and managing disorders such as hypertension, cardiovascular disease and diabetes, explains the University of Maryland Medical Center. In a study by the National Institutes of Health, a supplementation of magnesium in Zucker rats showed a reduction in cholesterol. The rats were fed a high-fat and high-cholesterol diet, and when given magnesium it partially prevented the diet-induced increase in serum cholesterol. More studies are still needed regarding magnesium and cholesterol so speak with your doctor first before using a magnesium supplement.
