Minerals – many people are short of them

Minerals – some are needed by the body in larger amounts like calcium, phosphate, potassium and magnesium. Minerals needed in smaller amounts are iron, zinc, chromium, manganese, copper, iodine, selenium, fluoride, molydenum and cobalt. Minerals originate from the soil, they are taken up by the plants and then utilized by us, as the plant has converted them into a form that is bio-available to us (in a form we can break down and utilize). The same goes for animals they eat the plants, providing us with minerals in a form we can readily absorb. Unfortunately many nutrients are lost in food processing and refining and minerals are no exception.

Minerals are underestimated and are most often in short supply. Take for instance zinc it is needed for the correct formation of hydrochloric acid through to the correct functioning of our taste buds. A shortage of zinc can cause our food to taste bland and in such cases there can be a tendency to add too much salt to your food to compensate. This in its self can cause health problems, as salt can inhibit your enzyme activity. Zinc assists in many various enzymes actions in the body, a very important mineral that a lot of people are short of. It assists in metabolism of carbohydrates, helping to fight infections, speeding up healing of wounds, affects thyroid function, works with insulin, even helps to protect against heavy metal poisoning. However in general most of us do not get enough minerals, in general.

This is a very brief look at the various minerals.
Boron a trace mineral found in most plants, which is essential for healthy bones and muscles. Research shows boron slows down the loss of calcium and magnesium from the bones.
Calcium as we all know is needed for the bones, teeth, nerves, muscles and blood. Promotes sleep, keeps the heart beating and the muscles contracting. If you decide to take calcium, make sure you take it with other nutrients that aid its absorption. Good sources are yogurts, almonds, sesame seeds, dark green leafy vegetables. The cow gets its vast amounts of calcium from green plants (not from milk).
Chromium a trace mineral involved in the metabolism and in particular with the production of insulin, helps the pancreas. Chromium lowers cholesterol and other fats in the blood. Molasses is a good source.
Copper required in respiration to convert iron into hemoglobin. Copper utilities the amino acid tyrosine, allowing it work as a pigment for hair and skin.
Iodine is a trace element essential for the formation of thyroxine and tri-iodothyroxine. An iodine deficiency can lead to an under active thyroid, with symptoms like lack of energy, weight gain, dry skin, feeling cold and slowing down of all body functions. Before you start to panic, some of the above symptoms could be related to many different conditions including lack of sleep or too much stress, or lack of other nutrients etc. Seaweeds are a good source.
Iron used by the body to make hemoglobin, the red pigment in blood. Hemoglobin carries oxygen around the body. Good food sources are dark green vegetables and red meat.
Magnesium is a vital component of bones and teeth. It is closely involved in the release of energy and the correct functioning of the nerves and muscles. Good sources are fish, beans, nuts, seeds and green vegetables.
Manganese is essential to the function of the pituitary gland, and for the brain, plus nerve and muscle action throughout the body. Manganese is vital to the body’s antioxidant defense system. The body needs manganese to make interferon which is our natural anti-viral agent. Source – oats, nuts, buckwheat, green tea, and whole grains.
Molybdenum is essential for reproductive health and helps the body detoxify, especially chemical additives. Found in whole grains, beans and lentils, leafy green vegetables and goat’s milk.
Phosphorus is present in every cell in the body, and is involved in most of the body’s physiological chemical reactions. It is needed for strong bones and teeth. This mineral is never taken as a supplement on its own.
Potassium controls the acid/alkaline balance. Found in fruit and vegetables. Works with other nutrients to form essential electrically charged ions known as ‘electrolytes’ that make up the fluids in the body. Potassium is crucial to many functions including the heartbeat, energy production, nerve conduction, blood pressure, and muscle contraction.
Selenium important antioxidant that works in conjunction with vitamin E. Selenium boosts the immune system, keeps the liver healthy, and combats the aging process. Fish and whole grains.
Silicon (is also known as silica) is the most plentiful element after oxygen. Chemical fertilizers and food processing tend to deplete it. In the body silicon is a vital part of connective tissue, bones, blood vessels and cartilage. It helps strengthen the skin, hair and nails by improving the production of collagen and keratin, the proteins found in the joints, hair and nails. Good source – oats, barley, and brown rice.
Sulfur for healthy skin and hair. Found in eggs, onions and garlic.
Vanadium believed to inhibit the formation of cholesterol in the blood vessels. Found in tiny amounts in many foods. Good source – black pepper, dill seeds, aniseed, celery seed and fenugreek seeds.
Zinc essential to over 80 processes and enzymes within the body. It helps to maintain a healthy immune system. Involved in repair, a healthy sperm count and maintaining taste and smell. Found in whole grains, some nuts and seeds especially pumpkin seeds.

Minerals are measured in milligrams (mg), which is a thousandth of a gram, or microgram (mcg), which is a millionth of a gram.