It found that people with high levels of magnesium in their diet are less likely to have osteoarthritis of the knee. Scientists from the University of North Carolina scanned the knees of more than 2000 patients and found those who ate the highest amount of the nutrient were half as likely to have evidence of arthritis.
One in 10 people in the UK over 65 is thought to have a major disability due to osteoarthritis, in most cases in the hips or knees. It’s thought that magnesium strengthens bone and cartilage – around half of the mineral in the body is found in bone – and experts believe it aids calcium metabolism, crucial for bone building.
Green veges are good sources of magnesium as the chlorophyll molecule, which gives the green colour, is rich in it. Other sources include beans, peas and nuts.