History of Valentine's Day
Legend has it that St. Valentine was imprisoned for disregarding a decree outlawing marriage and continuing to perform marriages to star-crossed lovers. He was ultimately executed for his “crimes.” He has become known as the guardian of love, of the heart. It is a sweet story but its unlikely that its completely historically accurate.
Whether or not St. Valentine should be the poster child for romance and the heart may be open for debate. However, there is an indisputable “guardian angel of the heart.” This “guardian angel” will not be finding you a new love interest or writing you romantic sonnets, but its benefits to your physical heart are undeniable.
Magnesium - The True Guardian Angel of the Heart
Magnesium is known as the “guardian angel of the heart” for good reason. Studies have found that higher blood magnesium levels are associated with lower heart disease risk. It is vital for the heart and blood vessels! Magnesium relaxes muscle and nerve cells. Without a healthy level of magnesium, calcium floods into the cells, which can go into spasms. Spasms within heart cells are what we call a heart attack. Magnesium plays the role of regulating the amount of calcium that is allowed to enter cells. A small amount of calcium is needed within the cells for electrical transmissions. However, when insufficient amounts of magnesium are present, excess amounts of calcium can enter the cells causing calcification and hyper-excitability. This can lead to arrhythmias, atherosclerosis, and heart attacks. Prescription drugs called channel blockers work to prevent calcium buildup. However, magnesium is a natural channel blocker as it works to regulate the influx of calcium into cells, preventing calcium overload. Magnesium is also key in the enzymatic function that lowers LDL (bad cholesterol) and triglycerides while also raising HDL (good cholesterol).
Insufficient magnesium intake can lead to heart disease, heart failure, high blood pressure, coronary artery disease, and more. We may be able to thank St. Valentine for a day to celebrate romance, but we can thank the true “angel of the heart” for optimal heart health!
So, instead of running to the store at the last minute for roses, why not treat your Valentine to our new spa products? Romance AND heart health? It doesn’t get any better!