Minerals are part of every living cell. Like micro-computers, they work to activate a multitude of functions within the human body.
The minerals considered essential for health form two groups, essential minerals and trace minerals.
The essential minerals are calcium, chlorine, copper, iodine, silicon, sodium, sulphur, zinc, fluorine, iron, phosphorous, potassium, manganese and magnesium. Deficiencies in any of these minerals can lead to disease and debility.
The trace minerals are divided into two camps: essential and non-essential. Essential trace minerals include cobalt, chromium, selenium, molybdenum and vanadium. The non-essential trace minerals are aluminium, lithium, mercury, nickel, rubidium, silver and tin.
These are the minerals that have surfaced as the new beauty enhancers:
Copper helps firm and fortify the skin, assists with tissue respiration and helps to promote healthy colour in the skin and hair.
Zinc promotes the formation of healthy skin and hair and promotes repair in the body.
Iron helps build tissue and rid the body of waste, detoxifying the skin and blood supply.
Magnesium helps stabilise the nerves and strengthen the bones.
Silicon is essential for the formation of healthy skin, teeth and hair, and it also promotes good circulation and protects against cancer.
Manganese helps with digestion, absorption and utilisation of many other nutrients and aids muscles and nerves.
Silver is a trace mineral, acts as a catalyst to other minerals, but on its own would have little function.
Gold is known as a "third transition metal". It's a non-reactive substance that helps strengthen the nerves and tissues.
Excerpt from an article by Nikki Goldstein,
The Sydney Morning Herald, November 2002Return to index page
