Manganese is one of trace minerals essential for normal functioning of all our body systems and for preventing many serious diseases and health conditions. It can be found mainly in our bones, the pancreas, liver, kidneys and other body parts. The daily dose of manganese is 1.2-1.5 milligrams for children, 1.5-2 mg for teenagers, and 2 – 2.3 mg for adults. Though manganese deficiency is not too common in modern people, we all should be careful and ensure that we consume necessary amounts of this important mineral. Certainly, the best way to do so is to add good amounts of food sources of manganese to our daily diet.

Manganese plays an important role for a good health of our connective tissues, as well as blood and bones. This mineral is vital for normal function of human brain and nervous system. Also, health benefits of manganese include normalizing the levels of sex hormones. Sufficient amounts of manganese in our body assist and boost such processes as calcium and vitamin absorption, carb metabolism and suppressing the activities of free radicals. This mineral helps our body regulate blood sugar levels and prevent blood clotting. Some studies have shown that manganese assists in prevention of tumor formation and helps protect our body system against cancer.

However, the most important benefits of manganese are lowering the risks of many serious diseases most of which are quite common in today’s world. In particular, a proper manganese intake is linked to lower chances to suffer from type 2 diabetes and epilepsy. Proper amounts of manganese in the body assist to lower bad LDL cholesterol levels and prevent serious cardiovascular problems. A good manganese consumption is linked to healthy bones and lower risks of suffering from osteoporosis. Finally, by taking proper amounts of this mineral we can prevent such health conditions as arthritis, pancreas damage, premenstrual syndrome, birth defects, skin problems, neurological problems, infertility, and many more.

Food sources of manganese include primarily whole grains ,rice,  nuts, seeds, egg yolks and black tea. Plenty of manganese can be found in such natural sources as spinach, broccoli, other leafy greens, seaweed, peas, garlic, beetroot, green beans, cucumbers, carrots, figs, bananas, kiwifruit, oranges, avocados, pineapples, raspberries, and many more. Herbal sources of manganese include ginseng, echinacea, nettle, yellow dock, catnip, horsetail, hops flowers, dandelion root, wild yam, chickweed, uva ursi leaf, milk thistle seed, and many other herbal remedies.

Remember that manganese works great only in conjunction with phosphorus and calcium, therefore, it is important to control your consumption of these minerals as well. The symptoms of manganese deficiency are usually such conditions as muscle contractions, weakness, memory loss, low blood pressure, aches and pains in bones, eye and ear problems, cardiac problems and so on. Be sure that your daily consumption of this important mineral is sufficient, and talk to your health care specialist to learn more about the functions and health benefits of manganese.

Author Info: Hi! My name is Carla and I am a 5th year medical student at HYMS. I am interested in alternative medicine and I have done months researching the topic of herbal medicine. Besides, I like interviewing people and learning more about their experiences with one or another type of herbal treatments. I am willing to contribute to this site with my knowledge, and I would be happy to help you out to the best of my ability with any specific questions or problems related to alternative medicine.

One Response to “Herbal Minerals: Manganese”

1. Diane Palmer Says:
   December 1st, 2011 at 5:39 pm

   Your article was full of information about manganese, how it if good for healing. Also the right amount to prevent birth defects along with other important good health factors. Thank you.