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Minerals are things like
Zinc, Iron, Magnesium, Calcium, etc. They are all minerals that are found
in the world around us - not surprising that we need them for all the
chemical processes that go on inside us! Iron is essential for our blood
to be able to carry oxygen around - and without oxygen our muscles can't
work properly. If you have ever walked around at very high altitudes
(where there is less oxygen in the atmosphere) you will know how
breathless you can get. We get Iron from some green vegetables, liver,
beef and lots of other sources. It is best obtained from lots of different
foods as some don't let us absorb it quite so easily when we eat those
foods.
Why do we need Minerals and Supplements
Minerals are inorganic substances that the body cannot produce, and they
often partner with vitamins to help each other work more efficiently.
Minerals are important for protecting our cells and in helping to keep
bones, teeth and skin in a healthy state. Also, minerals play important
roles in blood pressure, muscle functions and heart regulation.
The body may be robbed of minerals from smoking, alcohol and processed
foods. The body must get minerals either from the foods you eat or
supplements.
Minerals a
to Z
Boron: Boron is thought to be a factor in helping keep calcium,
magnesium and phosphorus in the body. It is considered a "helper" mineral
that aids the body in maximizing its use of these minerals.
Calcium: About 99% of all calcium in the body is found in the
bones, thereby making this mineral critical to good health. A deficiency
of it can lead to loss of height and teeth, back pain, and brittle bones
which can break or crack. If the body does not have enough calcium it will
draw away vital calcium already stored in the bones. As the body matures
the demand for calcium increases. Stress, lack of exercise, antibiotics,
aspirin, mineral oil, excess intake of fats and other factors can leave a
person low on calcium.
Copper: An important trace mineral that is stored in the liver,
copper is a vital component of enzymes needed to break down proteins for
rebuilding body tissue. It is required to convert the body's iron into
hemoglobin and is essential for the utilization of vitamin C. The brain
and connective tissues depend on copper.
Chromium: Chromium plays a role in the breakdown of simple sugar in
the body, and helps in the production of insulin. It also helps control
blood sugar levels and possibly cholesterol levels.
Iodine: Two-thirds of the body's iodine is in the thyroid gland.
Since iodine influences the thyroid and the thyroid controls metabolism,
iodine plays an important role in mental reaction, energy and weight gain.
Iron: This mineral is necessary for the production of hemoglobin
(red blood corpuscles), myoglobin (red pigment in muscles), and certain
enzymes. Only 8% of the iron that is received by the body is absorbed and
actually enters the bloodstream. Iron helps in body growth, the prevention
of fatigue, and helps safeguard the body from disease. It is especially
important to women because in one month women lose almost twice as much
iron as men. Iron is a "helper" mineral, meaning it helps the B-Vitamins
be better utilized in the body.
Magnesium: Magnesium has the ability to relax nerves and muscles.
Known as the "anti-stress" mineral, it also plays a role in helping to
calm nerves and converting blood sugar into energy. This mineral is
necessary in assisting the body in utilizing vitamin C, calcium,
phosphorous, sodium and potassium in an effective manner. Magnesium helps
keep teeth healthy and aids in bringing temporary relief from indigestion.
Manganese: Manganese aids in nourishing the body's nervous system
and brain. It also helps regulate muscles in the body, and is found in
virtually all body tissues. This mineral works as an activator in helping
to stimulate enzymes that can convert protein, fats and carbohydrates into
usable energy. Teamed with vitamin B1 and choline, it can help the body
with digestion. It is also important to both male and female reproductive
systems.
Phosphorus: Not only is phosphorus involved in virtually all
physiological chemical reactions, but it is also present in every cell in
the body. It is important for heart regularity, essential for normal
kidney functions, and necessary for normal bone and tooth structure.
Vitamin D and calcium are vital in assisting phosphorus to work properly.
Without phosphorus, the critical B-Vitamins and niacin can€t be absorbed.
Potassium: Potassium, along with sodium, helps regulate the water
balance within the body and in transportation of nutrients in the
bloodstream into cells. The mineral also plays an important role in
helping to send messages through our nervous system. By sending oxygen to
the brain it can also help in clear thinking. The heart and other muscles
depend on potassium to function in a healthful state. Everyday this
mineral is flushed from the body and must be replenished. Excessive sugar
and salt, diuretics, laxatives, alcohol and stress can deplete the body of
potassium.
Selenium: This mineral works closely with Vitamin E as a protector
of body cells. Selenium can help fight premature aging and hardening of
the tissues through oxidation, and is important in keeping tissues
flexible with elasticity.
Sodium: Vital to normal body growth, this mineral is important in
helping nerves and muscles function properly. Sodium€s main purpose is to
help "pump" fluids and nutrients in and out of the cells and cell
membranes. Too much sodium can contribute to high blood pressure.
Sulfur: Sulfur is essential for healthy hair, skin and nails. It
also plays a significant role in helping to maintain a proper oxygen
balance so the brain can function properly. Sulfur assists the B-Vitamins
and helps the liver in the secretion of bile.
Zinc: This mineral performs many functions in the body. Zinc is
important in RNA/DNA formation, in converting proteins into energy, and
working with calcium in bone formation. It is believed to play a valuable
role in the healing process, blood stability, mental functions and in
keeping a proper alkaline balance in the body. Organs that depend on this
essential mineral are the brain, heart and the productive
organs--especially the male prostrate gland. Processed foods, stress,
diuretics, alcohol and other factors can deplete the body of Zinc.
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