LET’S TALK MAGNESIUM!
Sponsored by NATURAL CALM
It’s impossible for humans to be in several places at once, but for magnesium, it’s a job requirement. At the cellular level, magnesium is involved in carrying out hundreds of different processes simultaneously throughout our bodies. In fact, without it, our bodies would completely shut down.
That’s why it’s shocking to discover that many Canadians don’t get enough of this mega-important mineral. Inadequate magnesium levels can spell trouble for some of your body’s most vital systems, including immune function, bone health, and even stress.
Fortunately, taking a magnesium supplement can help replenish your body’s magnesium levels and keep them from falling to dangerous lows.
Test your Magnesium knowledge by taking our quiz!
MAGNESIUM IS THE _______ MOST COMMON MINERAL IN THE HUMAN BODY?
Answer: D – Magnesium is the fourth most common mineral in the human body after calcium, sodium and potassium
APPROXIMATELY HOW MANY GRAMS OF MAGNESIUM ARE STORED IN THE HUMAN BODY?
Answer: B - Approximately 24-35 grams of magnesium are stored in the human body. 60% is located in the bones, 39% in the muscles and soft tissues, and 1% in the extracellular fluid.
MAGNESIUM PLAYS A PIVOTAL ROLE IN OVER ______ BODILY FUNCTIONS?
Answer: C - Most people are surprised to hear that magnesium plays a pivotal role as a cofactor in over 300 bodily functions. In fact, name a physiological process and most likely magnesium is intricately involved. It’s often referred to as “the spark of life.”
IN CANADA, WHAT PERCENTAGE OF ADULTS ARE MAGNESIUM DEFICIENT?
Answer: A - Magnesium deficiency is more common than you might think. According to one study, nationwide, 43% of adult Canadians are not consuming the daily minimum amount. Translation: 10.7 million adult Canadians are at risk for magnesium deficiency and its associated health disorders
THE AVERAGE CANADIAN SHOULD CONSUME HOW MUCH MAGNESIUM PER DAY?
Answer: B - Depending on a person’s height, weight, sex, age, and health status, the recommended daily allowance (RDA) of magnesium for adult males ranges between 400-420 mg. For adult females, the daily range is between 310-360 mg. However, most adults are missing a third of the daily RDA.
WHICH IS A COMMON SIGN OF MAGNESIUM DEFICIENCY?
Answer: E – A magnesium deficiency can show up in ways that would surprise you, like a migraine headache or sugar cravings. Consider a balanced approach to magnesium intake: consume more magnesium-dense foods coupled with a magnesium supplement and pay close attention to how your body feels.
WHICH OF THE FOLLOWING IS A MAGNESIUM-RICH FOOD?
Answer: C – Avocados are a nutritious and tasty source of magnesium, producing 58 mg per medium-sized avocado. Enjoy on toast, in smoothies and on salads. Other magnesium-rich food to add to your grocery list? Nuts (especially almonds, cashews and Brazil nuts), tofu, whole grains, seeds and legumes.
AS LONG AGO AS 1992, THE UNITED NATIONS REPORTED THAT CANADIAN AGRICULTURAL SOIL WAS MISSING ______ % OF ITS ORIGINAL MINERAL CONTENT?
Answer: A – 85%! Why? The way we grow, breed and process food has changed significantly in the last century. The rise of industrialization has been a springboard for factory farms—moving away from traditional farming practices that helped to maintain soil integrity by fostering mineral-dense soil.