Magnesium

Magnesium is the fourth most abundant mineral in our bodies and is responsible for over 300 functions. Here are some you may not know about:

• Converts food into energy

• Helps create new proteins from amino acids

• Creates, repairs DNA and RNA

• Plays an integral part in the contraction and relaxation of muscles (that’s why it’s good for the heart)

• Lowers and normalises blood pressure; prevents headaches and migraines

• Regulates the nervous system: helps with anxiety and depression

• Helps regulate blood sugar levels and reduces the risk of insulin resistance There are too many benefits to list here, but you get the picture.

Finding magnesium in food is not difficult, but somehow people remain deficient. So unless you eat a lot of the following, a supplement of 200–400mg a day won’t go amiss.

FOOD SOURCES INCLUDE:

• Pumpkin seeds

• Spinach and Swiss chard – both cooked, not raw

• All dark, green leafy veg

• Figs and bananas

• 70%+ dark chocolate, and organic coffee

• Black beans

• Quinoa, cooked

• Fish – especially halibut, mackerel and salmon

• Almonds and cashews

• Avocado

• Seafood

• All red meat