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The Indian Eye
HEALTH & WELLNESS AUGUST 21, 2026 46

Magnesium-rich Foods Help Enters a New Era with
Women’s Health

Heart, Muscles and Nerve Health Personalised Care

omen’s healthcare is enter-
dding magnesium-rich foods ing a new phase as artifi-
to the daily diet may help Wcial intelligence, wearable
Asupport several essential func- devices, biomarker monitoring and
tions of the body, including muscle genetic testing increasingly enable
movement, nerve signalling, heart personalised approaches to preven-
rhythm, blood pressure regulation tion, diagnosis and treatment. Experts
and bone health. Nutrition experts say femtech in 2026 is moving beyond
recommend meeting magnesium re- basic symptom and menstrual-cycle
quirements primarily through a var- tracking towards technology that can
ied, whole-food diet rather than rely- interpret individual health data and
ing on supplements. support earlier intervention.
Magnesium is involved in more The shift is being driven by grow-
than 300 enzymatic reactions in the ing recognition that women’s health
body. Inadequate intake has been cannot be effectively addressed
associated with symptoms such as fa- through generic medical models. New
tigue, muscle cramps and headaches, digital platforms are increasingly being
while the mineral also plays a role in designed around differences in biolo-
blood sugar regulation, muscle relax- gy, hormonal changes and life stages,
ation and overall nerve function. including fertility, pregnancy, meno-
Several commonly avail- pause and autoimmune conditions.
able foods can provide significant Wearables and health-monitoring
amounts of magnesium. Pumpkin devices are expected to play a larger role
seeds are among the richest sources, in this transition. Data from devices such
providing about 168 mg per ounce. Nuts such as almonds and ca- help limit added sugar while provid- as smart rings and continuous glucose
Cooked spinach is another nutri- shews are convenient options for in- ing the mineral. monitors can capture changes linked
ent-dense option, with nearly 158 mg creasing magnesium intake between Health experts say incorporating to cycles, hormones and other health
of magnesium in a cup. meals. An ounce of almonds pro- seeds, nuts, leafy vegetables, beans indicators. Experts believe integration
Beans and whole grains can also vides about 80 mg, while the same and whole grains into regular meals of such information with healthcare
contribute substantially to daily mag- quantity of cashews contains around can make it easier to obtain magne- systems could help doctors identify pat-
nesium intake. Quinoa and black 74 mg. Avocado contributes approx- sium naturally. However, individual terns and provide more targeted care.
beans provide around 120 mg per imately 58 mg per fruit and also pro- nutritional requirements vary de- Artificial intelligence is also
cup, while edamame offers approxi- vides healthy fats. pending on age, health conditions emerging as a practical tool rather
mately 100 mg per cup. These foods Dark chocolate can be another and lifestyle. People considering than simply a diagnostic technology.
also provide fibre and other nutrients source, with around 65 mg of magne- magnesium supplements or major AI-enabled platforms can analyse
and can be incorporated into salads, sium per ounce. Choosing varieties dietary changes should consult a doc- symptoms and long-term health data,
bowls and regular meals. containing at least 70% cocoa can tor or qualified dietitian. identify patterns and convert informa-
tion from wearables and health check-
ins into insights that can be useful to
Poor Sleep, Stress and Sugar Bad for Skin Ageing patients and clinicians.
Another emerging area is the
use of menstrual blood as a potential
remature skin ageing is in- skin’s ability to recover and may con- source of measurable health informa-
creasingly being seen among tribute to dullness, dark circles and tion. Researchers and femtech com-
Pyounger adults, with derma- other visible signs of ageing. panies are exploring ways to assess
tologists reporting concerns such as Diet is another important factor. bleeding patterns and biomarkers that
pigmentation, dullness, loss of skin Excessive consumption of sugar and could provide insights into conditions
including anaemia, fibroids, adeno-
firmness and fine lines among peo- processed foods can contribute to in- myosis and endometriosis. Maternal
ple in their late 20s. While ageing is a flammation and glycation, a process mental health is also receiving great-
natural process, experts say everyday that can damage collagen and elas- er attention, with digital platforms
lifestyle choices, including poor sleep, tin, the proteins responsible for skin beginning to incorporate emotional
chronic stress, unhealthy eating, pol- firmness and elasticity. Over time, check-ins, screening tools and access
lution and excessive screen time, may this may contribute to wrinkles and to healthcare professionals. This re-
accelerate visible signs of ageing. sagging. flects a broader move towards treating
A recent report on lifestyle-re- Chronic stress can also affect skin mental wellbeing as an integral part of
lated ageing highlights that modern health. Prolonged stress is associated women’s healthcare.
routines marked by long working Sleep deprivation is among the with hormonal changes and inflamma- The personalisation trend is ex-
hours, disrupted sleep, sedentary major concerns. During sleep, the tion, potentially contributing to break- tending to genomics, with DNA and
behaviour and processed food can body undertakes tissue repair and outs, dullness and premature lines. genome testing becoming more acces-
affect not only skin health but also supports hormonal balance. Regu- Similarly, prolonged sitting and lack of sible and increasingly being explored
metabolism, immunity, cardiovascu- larly getting less than seven to eight physical activity can affect circulation, for nutrition, medication decisions and
lar health and brain function. hours of quality sleep can affect the muscle strength and overall health. disease-prevention strategies.

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