Magnesium is a critically important mineral that is often at deficient levels in many people! It is estimated that only 30% of the population consume recommended levels of magnesium daily (Sources: World Health Organization, Institute of Medicine, Food Technology & Journal of the American College of Nutrition).  Current daily value (DV) for magnesium is 400mg.

Low magnesium status has been implicated in hypertension, coronary heart disease, type 2 diabetes mellitus and metabolic syndrome.  Too little magnesium  intake may up blood sugar issues, lower bone density & cancer risks. Magnesium has identified as being involved in the body in 350 enzyme functions in the body including detoxification.  Muscles cells require magnesium to be able to relax and to produce energy.

Rich dietary sources of magnesium include green leafy (preferably ‘organic’) veggies such as kale, spinach, chard & collard greens; almonds, pecans, cashews, sunflower seeds, black beans, avocado, bananas, dark chocolate, shitake mushrooms, whole grains, fish and meats.  Excellent overviews are found at http://tinyurl.com/nxsr9qy & http://tinyurl.com/ot32jza.