Magnesium is the chemical symbol Mg and atomic number 12. The atomic weight is 24, 305 u. It is the third most plentiful element dissolved in seawater and eighth most abundant element constituting about 2% of the earth’s crust. Magnesium is essential for all living cells, and is not as pure metal in nature.

Magnesium is essential for the human being is involved in the activation of at least 300 different enzymes and other body chemicals. It plays an important role in the activation of vitamins especially vitamin B and its derivatives and plays an important role in the synthesis of proteins and antibodies and the excitability of the muscles, the formation of bone and tooth structures.

It also has an anti-stress, antidepressant, antithrombotic, antiinflammatory and cardioprotective, acts as stabilizing the structure of DNA and RNA chains, so aid in the transmission of genes and chromosomes that make up our genetic code in cell division , second part in the formation of neurotransmitters and neuromodulators, repolarization of the neuron, magnesium, helps preserve memory, this mineral appears to regulate the principal brain receptor involved in learning, so its deficiency can result in a reduction in the ability to learn and memorize.

Involved in muscle relaxation with a very important action in heart muscle and improves the functioning of mitochondria, which are the energy factories of cells: energy needed for the proper functioning of our heart and also acts as energizing and soothing the body .

It helps purify the blood, dissolves cholesterol deposits in blood vessels, activates and mobilizes white blood cells, and promotes the production of antibodies. Prevents kidney stones and gallstones as it mobilizes calcium from binding. It acts as a mild laxative and antacid.

It acts on the neurological system by promoting sleep and relaxation, self-regulating homeostasis, favors the intestinal flora and allows the absorption of nutrients, increases bile secretion promoting fat digestion and elimination of toxic waste. Neutralizes odor chemical elements in stool and improves body odor, especially in the armpits and feet, it protects us from heart disease, mainly in hypertensive patients.

This mineral maintains youth and decreases the risk of premature aging, as it decreases the activity of free radicals in the cells, when our cells lacking magnesium their membranes become more rigid, free radicals increase their destructive activity and affect the integrity cell which results in premature aging.

On the other hand produces beneficial effects on diabetes: in recent years has developed a new therapy which supports the view that appropriate doses of magnesium may help prevent the complications of diabetes (neuropathy), this mineral plays a key role in secretion and action of the hormone insulin.

It is harder for the body control blood sugar levels without proper levels of magnesium within body cells. According to experts, the consumption of magnesium in adequate amounts may help reduce from 10% to 34% risk of developing diabetes. In women enhances the killing of migraine and other headaches, is involved in hormonal balance, decreasing premenstrual pain, it is essential to achieve pregnancy and avoid abortion. Prevents toxemia in women and seizures in the infant.

During pregnancy, Mg deficiency may cause a health problem known as preeclampsia, which is characterized by elevated blood pressure, fluid retention and an abnormal loss of protein in urine, with fetal growth retardation and in this condition magnesium prevents preterm maintaining relaxed uterus, its use is recommended during this period and infancy; also helps prevent breast cancer, matrix, osteopenia and osteoporosis.

A good supply of this mineral also accelerates wound healing. In man the use of magnesium in cases of inflammation of the prostate is widespread in many countries for its success, encouraging sexual activity. It is a useful compound in renal, and blepharospasm (eyelid disease)

Stress, excess sugar, alcohol, drugs and diuretics cause the body to remove the magnesium in large quantities.

If we look for foods rich in magnesium, we can use green leafy vegetables, legumes, nuts, some fruits and fish in general. Thus a non-exhaustive list would contain foods such as beets, spinach, wheat, oats, potatoes, carrots, almonds, walnuts, hazelnuts, chestnuts, rice, cherries and bananas, among others .