This Little-Known Mineral Keeps Bones Strong, Controls Blood Sugar, and Lowers Diabetes Risk
A diet packed with vitamins and minerals is a major key to staying healthy, but most of us never think about an important nutrient called manganese. Benefits of manganese include improving bone health, reducing inflammation to lower the risk of developing type 2 diabetes, and balancing our blood sugar. Luckily, it’s found in many common foods and supplements that can do wonders for our body!
Making sure our bones stay strong and healthy as we age is essential to protect against fractures. Research published in Clinical Cases Mineral Bone Metabolism noted that manganese promotes mineralization in our bones and the formation of cartilage and collagen. Getting plenty of it on a regular basis will definitely give your bone health a much-needed boost.
A study published in Diabetes Care also discovered how manganese can ward off type 2 diabetes. Getting higher amounts of the nutrient was linked to reduced inflammation in participants, which lowered their risk of developing the condition by up to 30 percent!
Of course, you can lessen a diabetes risk even more by keeping your blood sugar at healthy levels — and manganese helps with that. A study published in BMC Endocrine Disorders found that higher amounts of manganese absorbed in the bloodstream was able to stabilize blood sugar. Researchers also claimed it had the bonus benefit of preventing kidney failure (a two-for-one health boost!). It’s clear that this mineral should be a big part of our daily diet.
The recommended amount to get all of these amazing benefits is just 1.8 mg. of manganese a day. Thankfully, it’s found in delicious foods such as chickpeas, sweet potatoes, and blackberries, so you can easily eat your way to better health. You can also try supplements, like Source Naturals Manganese Tablets (Buy at iHerb.com, $10.49) to make sure you get that daily dose. Just be sure to consult with your doctor before supplementing and find the best ways you can fuel your body with manganese!
