This mineral is required for hundreds of enzymatic reactions throughout the body. Every cell in the body, including brain cells, is dependent upon it. In particular, it is of primary importance for the health of the bones, joints, and muscles. The deficiency is exceptionally common, because this mineral is highly vulnerable to being destroyed by food processing. It is found mainly in fresh food, particularly fresh vegetables, meat, and herbs. Common beverages, including coffee, soda pop, iced tea, alcoholic drinks, and distilled/reverse osmosis water, deplete it, and this largely explains why the deficiency is so prolific.
