Description
Magnesium is an essential mineral that is important for the functioning of over 350 enzymes in our bodies. Enzymes are proteins that make possible needed biological processes that couldn’t otherwise occur or would occur too slowly to sustain life. Amongst these enzymes that need Magnesium we have several that are responsible for making, repairing and stabilizing our DNA, the molecule that carries the genetic information for the development and functioning of an organism. Since our cells are continually dividing and making new DNA, and since our DNA is continuously being damaged and needing repair to avoid cumulative damage to our tissues and organs, you can see how vital Magnesium is to our overall health. As other examples, Magnesium is necessary to activate the molecule ATP, which provides the energy for life itself, and is needed as well for utilization of vitamin D3 in our bodies.
Magnesium is a natural tranquilizer that helps to lower stress and promotes sound sleep when taken before bedtime. It relaxes your arteries, so it helps with blood pressure. While Calcium has to do with muscle contraction, Magnesium has to do with muscle relaxation, so it is essential for heart function. Many in the know take magnesium for headaches and arrythmias with reportedly good results.
According to the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 70% of US adults do not meet their requirements of about 400mg of Magnesium daily, and we certainly don’t want to be in that group. Alcohol, sugar and refined carbohydrates deplete Magnesium. Physically active people need more because it is excreted when sweating. Although it has not been established that Magnesium is the cause or the only cause, it is interesting that observational studies show people with the highest Magnesium levels have a 40% lower all-cause mortality and a 50% lower cancer mortality compared to those with the lowest Magnesium levels.
Magnesium is present in every cell in our bodies, it is essential for life, most of the population is deficient in it, and it will do wonders for your health.
