Magnesium helps us to relax, and prevents us from getting overly stressed, it is the fourth most abundant mineral in the body-it can be found in human bones, teeth and red blood cells, and activates more enzyme systems than both Iron and Zinc combined. 

Magnesium is critical in over 350 essential biochemical reactions in the body including digestion, energy production, muscle function, bone formation, creation of new cells, activation of B vitamins, relaxation of muscles, and also assists in the proper functioning of the heart, kidneys, adrenals, brain and nervous system.

Magnesium Deficiency

When the body's cells are depleted of magnesium, the body will start to replace magnesium stores from its own reserves, namely from the bones & the liver. When the body no longer has the capacity to replace magnesium from its own reserves, the symptoms of magnesium deficiency start to manifest. Symptoms can range from cramps, muscle twitches, insomnia, fatigue, anxiety, as well as migraines & insomnia to name a few.

A magnesium deficiency accompanies a potassium and phosphate deficiency, and in the worst instances, a calcium deficiency is also evident.

Magnesium & Women

During the menstral cycle, levels of magnesium in the fit women body drop, which can lead to migraine head aches and cramping. The magnesium found in Cacao, can assist in easing these symptoms, as well as assisting with water retention and weight gain that are caused by low levels of aldosterone which is produced by adrenal gland as resulting of magnesium deficiency .

What can cause magnesium deficiency?

Modern diets & bad eating habits have lead to many people not consuming enough magnesium, however the shortage of magnesium begins with modern day farming methods whereby crops are artificially fertilised with potassium and nitrogenous fertiliser, which in turn drains the earth of nutrients including magnesium! Furthermore, modern day processing methods of sugar, grain & salt based foods see more than 80% of magnesium is removed, 38-67% of magnesium is lost through cooking, up to 38% through freezing and up to 99% through refining processes.

A deficiency can also generally be traced to areas in which the soil composition already has a poor magnesium content and consequently less of it is found in the drinking water and food. Australia has the lowest magnesium content in the soil in the world.

Reasons for magnesium deficiency

• Diets that don't incorporate multiple nutritional sources
• Diets high in refined foods, such as sugar & white flour
• Food that has a very high calcium content, or is lacking in vitamins B1, B2 & B6
• Excessive Alcohol consumption & smoking
• The use of diuretics and some antibiotics.
• Excessive exercise
• Stressful situations

Cacao & Magnesium

Cacao is a great source of phytonutrients including aminos, protein, omega-3, calcium, zinc, sulphur, copper, potassium, beta-carotene, chromium and magnesium. Cacao is without rival the highest source of magnesium to be found in any food, so rich in it that it has been known to reverse magnesium deficiency.

Mighty Magnesium Smoothie!

1. 4 cups Almond milk
2. 3 tbsp Cacao Powder
3. 1 tbsp Maca Powder
4. 1 tsp Cinnamon
5. 1 tbsp Cacao nibs
6. 2 tbsp Coconut Oil
7. 1 tbsp Raw Cashews
8. 1 tbsp Raw Honey - To Sweeten
9. 1 pinch Celtic Sea Salt
10. ½ Tonic Superfoods Vanilla Bean
11. ½ tsp Cayenne Pepper

Blend & Enjoy!