Bruce Ames from the Children’s Hospital Oakland Research Institute explained that there may be a link between long-term deficiency in the mineral magnesium and an elevated risk of common diseases related to old age.
Magnesium is a major component of the cells in our body, and plays an important role. American researchers studied the effects of long-term magnesium deficiency in cell lines cultivated for three to four months. They found that cells that were moderately lacking magnesium survived and divided normally, however aged more rapidly.
In the United States, it was reported that more than half of the population has a magnesium deficiency. A diet lacking the mineral could cause cardiovascular diseases, hypertension, diabetes, osteoporosis and depression.
Magnesium can be found in seafood, cocoa, whole grain cereals, spinach, green vegetables, almonds and bananas.