Magnesium plays a key role in the healthy functioning of the heart and circulation. It is involved in muscles and nerve cells working together and is, therefore, important for the entire nervous system. It dampens, for example, the excitation of nerves and muscles.

It has further importance for the healthy structure of bones, as well as for healthy teeth. It is involved in approximately 300 enzyme reactions and plays, among other things, an important role in the metabolism of carbohydrates, proteins, fats, and cell division.

Magnesium is absorbed in the small intestine, where the presence of calcium clearly improves its absorption. Too little magnesium can increase the risk of hypertension, cardiac arrhythmias, and apoplexy.

Magnesium rich foods are nuts, rolled oats, wheat germs, millet, whole meal bread, sunflower seeds, quinoa, and amaranth. The latter two are plants that were cultivated by the Incas and Aztecs. Nowadays, they are in, among other things, Muesli.

A 40g portion of milk chocolate provides approximately 8% – 10% of the daily requirement of magnesium for an average adult. A 40g portion of dark chocolate provides approximately 15% of this.