Magnesium – The secret of the longevity of the Japanese

In this article, we will talk about a chemical element essential for human life that has influenced the longevity of the Japanese. We know that Japan is one of the countries with the highest number of centenarians in the world and an archipelago full of volcanoes. Japan has soil rich in magnesium, while Brazil is poor due to the use of chemical fertilizers.

Its presence in the soil makes the crops, water, including hot springs, rich in this and several other minerals. In Brazil, it is common to find Magnesium Chloride a type of supplement that can be consumed daily for health benefits.

In Japan, you can find Nigari a type of magnesium found in crystal form or a type of salt that is used in the preparation of tofu, soy milk, miso, and other beverages. Nigari is obtained from seawater through a process of filtration, centrifugation, and concentration that gives rise to Nigari crystals.

Types of Magnesium

Although magnesium is a chemical element, there are different types of magnesium that are marketed, each with a different function and indication.

• Magnesium Chloride – To detoxify cells and tissues, stimulate metabolism;
• Magnesium Hydroxide – Milk of magnesia
• Sulfate – Epsom salt / Bitter salt – To relieve asthma and relax muscles (dangerous);
• Citrate – Used as a mild laxative and for constipation;
• Oxide – Has a poor absorption rate;
• Chelate – For headaches and migraines;
• Taurate – For people with cardiovascular problems;
• Malate – For people suffering from fatigue;
• Glycinate – Less likely to induce diarrhea;
• Carbonate – For those suffering from indigestion and acid reflux;
• Glutamate and Aspartate – Avoid as it is dangerous;

Each type of Magnesium has other chemical compositions present, so we do not recommend taking any before consulting a doctor. The most common one that can be consumed without problems is magnesium chloride.

Benefits of Magnesium for Health

The benefits of Magnesium for health are enormous. It is essential for human life and has done a good job in Japan, making the Japanese appear youthful and preserving the lives of the elderly for longer. Below is a huge list of benefits of consuming Magnesium:

• Acts as a blood purifier;
• Is rich in calcium, strengthening bones;
• Helps eliminate acid that accumulates in the kidneys;
• Stimulates brain functions and nerve impulse transmission;
• Stimulates the proper functioning of the cardiovascular system;
• Reduces levels of bad cholesterol;
• Is a powerful anti-stress agent;
• Prevents problems like hemorrhoids;
• Prevents cramps;
• Fights fatigue and helps prevent muscle tiredness;
• Fights and prevents muscle injuries;
• Regulates body temperature;
• Prevents prostate problems;
• Fights cancerous tumors;
• Strengthens the immune system;
• Prevents premature aging;
• Prevents osteoporosis;
• Prevents the formation of kidney stones;
• Reduces PMS symptoms and stimulates hormonal regulation;
• Fights free radicals, preventing tumors and warts;
• Promotes cleaning of the arteries, preventing arteriosclerosis;
• Helps regulate blood pressure and combat hypertension;
• Prevents stroke;
• Helps with intestinal problems and colic;
• Helps fight depression;
• Helps fight epilepsy;
• Helps fight multiple sclerosis;
• Helps fight Parkinson’s;
• Prevents kidney stones;
• Helps with dizziness and nausea;
• Helps against thyroid issues, bronchitis, and asthma;
• Helps maintain a healthy weight;
• Improves sleep;
• And many others;

The only contraindication for magnesium consumption is for people suffering from diarrhea, and some kidney diseases. Remember that taking antibiotics can reduce the effectiveness of some of them.

Foods Rich in Magnesium

Magnesium is usually present in the sea and in the soil. So basically, most planted foods can be rich in magnesium if the country has soil rich in that sense. The fact that Japan is surrounded by the sea and has many volcanoes influences this. However, there is a list of foods where you can find Magnesium, let’s see below:

• Nuts, coconut, almonds and chestnuts;
• Seaweed, fish, leafy greens;
• Fruits like banana, apricot, peach, and plum;
• Pure cocoa and dark chocolate;
• Avocado, sweet potato, alfalfa sprouts;
• Cereals like oats and brown rice;
• Pumpkin seeds, sesame, sunflower, lentils, and peas;
• Brewer’s yeast, quinoa, and others;

Symptoms of Magnesium Deficiency

If a person suffers from magnesium deficiency, they may experience the following symptoms:

Dizziness, nausea, loss of appetite, constipation, headaches, vertigo, weakness, and constant fatigue, pressure in the chest, difficulty swallowing, sensation of a “lump” in the throat, tremors and insomnia.

If the deficiency is severe: frequent cramps, blurred vision, swelling and tingling in the extremities, photophobia (sensitivity to light), seizures, mood changes, hallucinations and delirium, abnormal heart rhythm, cartilage degeneration, and others.

Therefore, we strongly recommend foods rich in this mineral or even starting to take magnesium chloride for the sake of your health! What did you think of the article? Did you already know about these thousands of benefits? Have you felt the results?