MISSING MINERALS (Part 2)

Did you know what you don’t eat can hurt you?

Last week The Daily Blend explored the important role of Potassium in good health—particularly as it relates to hypertension.  This week we will take a look at Magnesium and why it is another important “missing mineral” for many of us in achieving and maintaining health powered living.

Magnesium
According to the American Diabetes Association, nearly 24 million Americans—including one of four people aged 60 or older—have Type 2 Diabetes. Roughly 5.7 million of them don’t know it, and 57 million others may be at risk (Pre-diabetic). When the body does not produce enough insulin, or the cells in the body ignore the insulin made by the body, Type 2 Diabetes occurs. Insulin is important for the body to use sugar and starches from the food you eat to fuel your body’s cells, and the disease can cause sugar (glucose) to build up in the blood instead. Right away your cells may be starved for energy, and over time complications from Diabetes can include a greater risk of:

• Blindness and other eye disorders
• Nerve damage and blood circulation disorders that lead to foot and lower leg amputation
• Heart disease or stroke
• Kidney failure leading to dialysis or the need for kidney transplant

Several recent observational studies reported in the September 2010 issue of Nutrition Action Healthletter have shown that magnesium is beneficial for preventing or delaying Type 2 Diabetes, along with adopting a healthy lifestyle that includes regular exercise, maintaining a healthy weight, and eating meals low in salt, sugar and fat.

How much of this mineral do we need and how can we get it?
The daily value (DV) for magnesium is 400 mg, but most of us get far less. Fruits, vegetables, whole grains, nuts and beans all provide magnesium, AND the Mangosteen, Bilberry, Gogi, Acai and Kelp in Youshi Guo YG Blend all contain magnesium! While it is difficult to determine exact clinical potency of whole food concentrates, it is safe to assume that 3 ounces a day of YG Exotic Blend does provide a healthy boost of this vital mineral, along with other nutrients that help stabilize blood sugar.

For specific citations of research studies referenced and an extensive listing of the Magnesium content of many whole foods, see the Nutrition Action Healthletter, September 2010, published by the Center for Science in the Public Interest, Washington, DC or consult the website at www.cspinet.org.

Other Sources: American Diabetes Association Website: www.diabetes.org