It's Time to Get Salty! Read Why a Daily Dip in the Ocean is Good for Your Health!
Did you know that a dip in the ocean or a salt water bath is actually healthy? I bet you know that it makes you feel good, but do you know why? The answer: Magnesium!
Summer is here! Go take a dip in the ocean! No ocean, no problem take an epsom salt bath instead! The feel good sensation isn’t just about the sun or warm water, it’s the salt.
Magnesium is the eighth most abundant mineral on earth, and the third most abundant in sea water. More importantly, it is the fourth most abundant mineral in the human body and it is necessary in over 300 reactions within the body. However, nearly 80% of the population is deficient in magnesium.
This is an astounding fact when you consider that magnesium is responsible for many biochemical reactions in the body, some of which include helping your body digest food, promote a healthy heart, ease migraines and fight depression. This mineral also helps the body regulate blood pressure, improves insulin sensitivity and even reduce menstrual cramps. As well, it’s helps us manage stress, reduce skin issues such as acne and help relieve muscle soreness.
How is it that so many people are deficient in magnesium when it is so abundant? With the increased consumption of process foods, new farming methods that use synthetic fertilizer and live stock being fed feed instead of being able to graze on nutrient rich grass are some of the culprits.
The best way to increase the consumption of magnesium is to decrease the amount of processed food eaten and increase more magnesium rich foods. These foods include:
Dark green leafy vegetables such as kale, spinach, collard greens and swiss chard
Spirulina, kelp, and seaweed
Fish: sardines, mackerel, tuna
Avocados
Figs, prunes, raisins, apricots
Bananas
Chocolate, preferably higher cocoa content
Nuts and seeds
Beans and lentils
Whole grains
Looking for some recipe ideas? How about avocado on whole wheat toast, or sautéed spinach and onions with garbanzo beans and ground cumin or a bowl of oatmeal with raisins, bananas and nuts?