Manganese is an essential trace mineral that not only helps keep blood sugar levels even but could also help you lose weight. Studies have shown that diabetics are manganese deficient and over 30% of non-diabetics are lacking in this mineral.

Benefits of manganese

• Blood sugar regulation
• Enhances carbohydrate metabolism
• Helps reduce your risk of developing diabetes
• Promotes skin and wound healing

 How does manganese help?

• Metabolism Your body uses enzymes to metabolise carbohydrates and fats. Manganese enhances the action of these enzymes and helps them to break down food more efficiently. When carbohydrates are broken down into sugar (glucose) less sugar ends up in your blood stream. In this way manganese helps regulate blood sugar levels, a key factor in managing diabetes. Keeping blood sugar levels low also promotes weight loss. Manganese helps prevent arterial plaque build up by preventing LDL cholesterol from oxidising, which can protect you from heart disease and stroke

• Prevention Many studies confirm that diabetics have lower levels of manganese than those who are not diabetic. Keeping manganese levels on track may prevent the development of this disease.

• Healing This mineral helps in two different ways. The first way is by raising SOD (superoxide dismutase) levels that help reduce inflammation, helping you heal faster. The second way is by promoting collagen production. Your body uses collagen to heal wounds. Manganese is needed to create prolidase, an essential enzyme necessary for the creation of the collagen.

How to get Manganese

• Diet Manganese is found in whole grains, nuts, beans and some fruit. The best choices are: pineapple, raspberries, almonds, wheat bran, brown rice, oatmeal, spinach, pinto beans and green tea.

Diabetics may need extra help in getting enough manganese as medications and other factors reduce the amount of dietary manganese that is absorbed by the body.