Minerals : Magnesium

Minerals are organic elements present in soil. Plants absorb the minerals from their growth medium. We need very small amounts of each mineral in our diet, but they are essential to maintain all nerve and muscle function, teeth, bones and body cells. Minerals are insoluble in water and need to be bonded with a soluble compound before they can be properly utilised. That is why foods are the very best sources.

Functions of Magnesium:
Required for normal heart rhythms
Needed for proper muscle contraction
Used in hormone synthesis
Aids cartilage formation
Keeps nerves healthy

Sources of Magnesium:
Dairy products
Fruit and vegetables
Organ meat
Fish
Nuts
Legumes
Grains

Deficiency symptoms:
Panic attacks
Tics
Cravings
Stress and anxiety
High blood pressure
Kidney stones

Supplements are unnecessary provided you are normally healthy and your diet includes plenty of fresh fruit and vegetables. Always check with your doctor before taking supplements of any kind. An excess of any mineral can have unpleasant side effects.