A study from the Australian National University suggests that increased magnesium intake in our daily diet can improve brain health as we age and reduce the risk of dementia. Researchers found that consuming more than 550mg of magnesium per day, through foods like spinach and nuts, resulted in a brain age approximately one year younger by 55 compared to those with a normal intake of 350mg. A 41% increase in magnesium intake could lead to less age-related brain shrinkage, which is linked to better cognitive function and a lower risk or delayed onset of dementia in later life. The findings emphasize the potential benefits of a magnesium-rich diet for promoting good brain health.

More magnesium in our daily diet leads to better brain health as we age, according to scientists from the Neuroimaging and Brain Lab at The Australian National University (ANU).

The researchers say increased intake of magnesium-rich foods such as spinach and nuts could also help reduce the risk of dementia, which is the second leading cause of death in Australia and the seventh biggest killer globally.