Lesson 2: Chocolate & Magnesium

Magnesium is a cofactor in the production of ATP (adenosine triphosphate) via ATP synthase.We think of the Krebs cycle as a pathway for the breakdown of glucose but it takes pyruvate from the glycolysis cycle and makes ATP energy molecules.

Magnesium is the fourth most abundant mineral in our bodies, and we cannot make it on our own or store it, which means, yes, it needs to be part of our daily routine. This mineral, which is also one of the body’s electrolytes, is required for over 600 chemical reactions in the body (Baaij, 2015). Regulating muscle contraction, so your heartbeat remains strong, is just one of the numerous benefits of magnesium. You name it, and magnesium is probably involved. It helps with protein synthesis and muscle function. It may lower blood pressure (Kass, 2012), decrease your risk of heart disease (Reffelmann, 2011), and improve sleep quality (Wienecke, 2016). Magnesium may even prevent inflammation that’s associated with certain cancers, a 2017 study found (Chen, 2017). And the symptoms of magnesium deficiency, which range from general fatigue and muscle weakness to osteoporosis and personality changes, are severe enough to ruin a good day, hence the idea of a square of dark cacao to perk you up.

Magnesium is part of the chlorophyll compound, therefore a high amount of magnesium is found in greens. Raw organic sugar-free chocolate is also a great source of magnesium along with a large number of beneficial probiotics, flavonoids, phenolic acids, and endocannabinoids.