What Is Manganese & Why Is It Good For You?

Manganese is an essential mineral that is present throughout the human body in small amounts across bones, the liver, kidneys and pancreas.

It is known to play an important role in several biological processes carried out in the human body, so it is important that it is included in your daily diet.

It is a component of the antioxidant enzyme Superoxide Dismutase (SOD) and helps neutralise free radicals, a natural occurrence in the body that damages cell membranes and DNA, as well as being able to prevent some of the damage they are known to cause.

Whilst found predominantly in nuts and seeds, manganese can also be found in wholegrains, fruits and vegetables such as pineapple and spinach and legumes.

It can be bought in different forms such as manganese salts and chalets as well as in tablet form and in some multivitamins.

At ötzibrew our Wild Harvested Pure Chaga product is an excellent source of manganese and can be consumed much like making a cup of coffee.

Manganese is known to cause a variety of unique benefits, from aiding conditions to improving the overall health of your body.

There are many reasons why you should feature manganese in your daily routine by having at least one cup of chaga per day, here are some of the most impactful benefits it has:

Bone Health 

Manganese is involved in the formation and maintenance of healthy bones, helping the production of bone-forming cells and the formation of bone matrix, therefore linking it to having positive impacts on Osteoporosis.

While there is no evidence that manganese can prevent Osteoporosis, a study has shown that a combination of manganese, zinc, calcium and copper helped lessen spinal bone loss in a group of postmenopausal women. 

Arthritis

SOD levels are typically lower for those with Arthritis and as a result, experts have theorised that the addition of manganese into a person’s diet may increase SOD levels and help treat the condition, but there is currently no empirical evidence to support this.

Some clinical studies have shown that manganese, when taken alongside glucosamine and chondroitin, can reduce pain for individuals with Rheumatoid and Osteoarthritis, however it has been argued that some participants in the trials have found no effect.

Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS)

Clinical studies have found that patients with PMS had lower amounts of calcium, chromium, copper and manganese in their blood compared to individuals not suffering with PMS, with it being concluded that the addition of the chemical element potentially improving symptoms . 

Similarly, another study showed that women who ate 5.6 mg of manganese in their diets each day had fewer mood swings and cramps than those who ate only 1 mg of manganese, suggesting a manganese-rich diet should help reduce negative PMS effects.

Antioxidant Properties 

Manganese acts as an antioxidant, helping to protect cells from damage caused by free radicals, improving your body’s health overall. 

This can help reduce the risk of various chronic diseases such as cancer and cardiovascular disease as manganese has been shown to prevent damage from free radicals and ultimately improve the body’s response to potential harm.

Wound Healing

Manganese is involved in the formation of connective tissue, which is important for wound healing, and ingesting a raised rate of manganese can speed up the restorative process. 

It has been known to help accelerate the healing process by promoting the formation of new tissue and helping the body recuperate in less time than usual.

Nervous System Function

Manganese is important for proper nervous system function as it helps in the production of neurotransmitters and the formation of myelin, which protects nerve fibres and helps to improve the transmission of nerve impulses.

Metabolism 

Manganese is involved in the metabolism of carbohydrates, amino acids, and cholesterol, aiding the breakdown of glucose, which is the primary source of energy for the body.

Manganese is an essential mineral that has numerous health benefits for the human body, and it is important to ensure that you get enough manganese in your diet through foods such as whole grains, nuts, and leafy green vegetables.