Benefits of Manganese
Main benefits of manganese include the breakdown of amino acids and the production of energy.
The name manganese comes from the Greek word magic and this is not an exaggeration by any means as manganese is one of the most essential minerals for your body.
Manganese is a part of the antioxidant enzyme manganese superoxide dismutase. Antioxidants fight free radicals in your body that may cause diseases like cancer or heart complications.
It is found in very very small amounts- approximately 20mg in human kidneys, liver and bones, but found in large amounts in plants and animals.
Health Benefits of Manganese:
• Helping in building essential enzymes for building bones, blood-clotting and connective tissues.
• Normal skeletal development.
• Helping those suffering from osteoporosis and osteoarthritis.
• Normal functioning of nerves and brain and used in treating several nervous disorders.
• Manganese is one of the minerals needed for the formation of sex hormones.
• Lubricating your joints.
• Making use of proteins and acting as a catalyst in the breakdown of fats and cholesterol.
• Glucose metabolism in your body.
• Stabilizing blood glucose levels.
• Absorption of calcium.
• Proper functioning of thyroid.
Manganese Deficiency:
Manganese is available in a variety of foods and your body requires small amounts of it, so manganese deficiency is quite rare. However in case of a deficiency, following symptoms and conditions can be observed:
• Lack of energy and fatigue.
• High cholesterol and heart complications.
• Bone weakness and bone malformation.
• Your wounds taking too long to heal.
• Impaired growth in children.
• Temporary skin rash.
• Abnormal glucose tolerance.
Food Sources of Manganese:
Manganese is one of the least toxic minerals and there is no recommended daily usage as such and deficiency is very uncommon. Most multi vitamin - mineral supplements contain manganese, along with other essential nutrients.
Although you don't need to worry too much about eating foods with high manganese content, manganese rich foods include: avocado, dried fruits- raisins and sultanas, whole grains, leafy green vegetables such as spinach, broccoli, egg yolks, different types of nuts, seeds, pineapples, oranges, peas, chickpeas, brown rice, breakfast cereals, beans and more.
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