Do you get enough Magnesium Intake for Improved Health?

I have written about the importance of magnesium for good health before and, I know very well how important that mineral is for plants as well as the human body. In a discussion with a friend recently about food and health etc, we also came to the subject of magnesium and she asked, “How can I get magnesium into my body?” I recommended to her among other things to eat greens & nuts, especially almonds etc. So, I recommend to you to indulge in nuts and greens for better health!

I came across an interesting article by Jordyn Cormier which will tell you a bit more about how to boost the magnesium intake, so I thought to share it with you.

I take this opportunity to wish all my readers a wonderful Christmas, a happy &  prosperous New Year, but most of all good health. Being in good health is merely the slowest rate at which one can die. - Werner

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How to Boost Your Magnesium Intake for Improved Health?
Magnesium is the unsung hero of the human body, yet many of us are deficient in this essential mineral. An estimated 80 percent of adults are slightly or severely deficient in magnesium. As the fourth most abundant mineral in the human body, this comes as somewhat of a surprise. Why is magnesium so oft overlooked in terms of health?

One contributing factor may be the difficulty of diagnosing magnesium deficiency. Since less than 1 percent of the body’s magnesium is stored in blood, blood tests do not accurately reflect the body’s stores of this mineral. Thus, many adults may not know that they are magnesium deficient. Perhaps it’s time we paid more attention.

As a catalyst for over 300 important reactions in the body, magnesium is “the Great Regulator.” Many of its reactions help to regulate such important functions such as protein synthesis, insulin regulation, vitamin D metabolism and blood pressure.

Perhaps most essentially, magnesium helps to control energy levels on a cellular level by activating ATP, the cell’s primary co-enzyme for energy storage. It’s a pretty important mineral.

Here are a few conditions impacted by magnesium:
Migraines.
Generally, people who suffer from migraines have lower magnesium levels than those who don’t. The American Academy of Neurology and the American Headache Society have concluded that magnesium is “probably effective” in the treatment and prevention of migraines. The next time your head starts to throb, take magnesium into account.

Blood sugar.
Studies suggest that increased consumption of magnesium-rich foods leads to reduced risk for type II diabetes. The mineral is important for regulating blood sugar levels, and magnesium levels generally begin to decrease as insulin resistance sets in. Glucose cannot be properly broken down and utilized without magnesium.

Muscle function.
As an important electrolyte, deficiency in this mineral causes achy, spasm in muscles after long bouts of exercise. It also plays a role in restless leg syndrome. When magnesium levels are low, muscles have difficulty relaxing. Magnesium deficiency can also manifest as weak digestion, increased anxiety, worsened PMS symptoms, other nutrient deficiencies, osteoporosis, nerve dysfunction, cholesterol regulation, dental decay and more.

But what causes widespread magnesium deficiency?

This leaves the modern human with a handful of magnesium supplementation options: Eat lots of magnesium rich foods Foods like spinach, Swiss chard, black beans, almonds, seaweed, cashews, potatoes and, yes, even dark chocolate can provide up to one third of your RDA in a single serving. So, if you are concerned about magnesium levels, focus on incorporating more of these foods into your diet. Any excess magnesium you consume from food is easily excreted through urine, so no need to worry about that chocolate habit.

Take Epsom salt baths.
Epsom salts are composed of a compound known as magnesium sulphate. Soaking in a warm bath of Epsom salts allows your body to absorb extra magnesium through the skin, while providing utterly luxurious relaxation and stress reduction. It’s an easy way to add magnesium to your body, especially if you’ve been feeling a little anxious.

Supplements.
Many varieties of magnesium supplements exist. Although magnesium has a relatively low toxicity risk, it is best to consult your trusted medical professional before embarking on any sort of new regimen. Certain medications and conditions can affect absorption and interact with magnesium levels. And, if you feel anxious or suffer from migraines, do yourself a favour — draw a bath, snack on some chocolate-covered almonds and allow your body to replenish itself. Don’t underestimate the importance of this humble mineral in your life.
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My thought for today. – Werner
Let food be thy medicine and medicine be thy food. ~ Hippocrates

An interesting and healthy aromatic nut.

As far as I can think back, and that is a long time, nutmeg was always on our table, and still is today. We grate it into our soup to give it that wonderful aromatic nutmeg flavour. This was about all I knew about this “nut” then. But my inquisitiveness found that there is more to it than meets the eye. The nutmeg tree is a large evergreen tree native to the Moluccas (the Spice Islands) and is now cultivated in the West Indies. It produces two spices - mace and nutmeg. Nutmeg is the seed kernel inside the fruit and mace is the lacy covering (aril) on the kernel. Amazing!

This brings me to my cashew tree,  which produces two fruits; a nut and an apple all on one stem. I had once a nutmeg tree growing in my garden, but it produced only male flowers and was told that you need another tree with female flowers for pollination to get nutmeg – so, unfortunately, I didn’t get my own nutmeg. Nutmeg pictures.

Insomnia can be extremely frustrating and debilitating. It can have an effect on nearly every aspect of someone’s life. If you’re experiencing trouble sleeping, nutmeg might work for you as a natural cure. Nutmeg is a popular spice that is associated with a long list of health benefits, including its ability to relieve pain, soothe indigestion, detox the body, boost skin health, strengthen the immune system and improve blood circulation. Nutmeg is also believed to possess mild sedative properties that may benefit those who suffer from insomnia. I knew an old couple who drank warm milk with nutmeg grated into it before bedtime, and they swore that it helped them to get a good sleep – perhaps it might do the same for you.

Following is an interesting follow-up of this aromatic nut by: Shubhra Krishan. I hope you find this interesting. – Werner

8 Amazing Health Benefits of Nutmeg.
Just a little nutmeg grated into pumpkin soup or added to granola—even scrubbed onto the skin—can do a world of good for your health. Take a look at the healing benefits of this rich, aromatic spice.

1. Helps Induce Sleep.
When I was a child, my grandmother would give me a glass of milk with a pinch of powdered nutmeg in it before bed. It can also be mixed with ghee and rubbed around the temples at bedtime to enhance deep sleep and calm the mind.
2. Rich in Minerals.
A dusting of nutmeg adds aroma and enhances the taste of your food. It also gives you trace minerals that keep the immune system strong. Potassium, calcium, iron and manganese are among key minerals found in nutmeg.
3. Brightens Skin.
Just a little nutmeg, ground and mixed with water or honey into a paste, can make skin look clearer and brighter within a few days, reducing scars and alleviating acne. You can also add nutmeg to your face scrub for the same benefits.
4. Helps Digestion.
For centuries, nutmeg has been used as a medicinal spice that brings relief from digestive problems. So grate a little nutmeg into your soups and stews for a boost of flavour and a healthy gut!
5.Natural Toothpaste.
The star spice in dental care has traditionally been clove. But few might know that nutmeg too has proven antibacterial properties that protect the teeth and gums. Nutmeg oil has eugenol, which brings relief from toothache. That’s why you often find it listed among the ingredients of toothpaste. Combined with cinnamon, it makes a powerful antiseptic, antimicrobial paste.
6. Protects Your Brain.
Nutmeg keeps the brain sharp! It contains natural organic compounds called myristicin and macelignan, which is known to shield your brain against degenerative disease such as Alzheimer’s.
7. Eases Swelling and Pain.
The essential oil of nutmeg brings relief from muscular and joint pain. Apply it to a localized area of swelling and discomfort, and feel the pain melt away.
8. Boosts Circulation.
In holistic medicine, nutmeg is often prescribed to rev up blood circulation because of the high potassium content. Traditional healers believe it also strengthens the liver.
A note of caution: It is almost impossible to overuse nutmeg, because all you need is a tiny dusting of it to reap its taste and nutrition benefits. Even so, I must state that overuse of nutmeg is known to cause palpitations, sweating, hallucination and other discomforts, so do use this wonder spice in moderation. Source:
Better Sleep. 

More reading.
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My thought for today. – Werner
You can learn something every day if you pay attention. ~ Ray LeBlond