This website uses cookies to ensure that you have the best possible experience when visiting the website. View our privacy policy for more information about this. To accept the use of non-essential cookies, please click "I agree"
Essential Minerals: Why They Matter and How to Get Them
Jai McFall
Minerals are the unsung heroes of our nutrition, powering
critical bodily functions such as bone strength, muscle performance, and fluid
regulation. However, modern dietary habits, coupled with soil depletion and
processed foods, fail to provide these essential nutrients. It's imperative to
recognize the significance of minerals and ensure their adequate intake through
both diet and supplements.
Lacking vitamins, the system can make use of the minerals;
but lacking minerals, the vitamins are useless. Every illness can be linked to
a lack of minerals.
Importance of Essential Minerals
Understanding the essential minerals and their roles can
empower you to make better nutritional choices:
Calcium:
Crucial for robust bones and teeth, calcium also facilitates muscle
function and nerve signaling. Natural sources include dairy products and
leafy green vegetables.
Magnesium:
This powerhouse mineral is involved in over 300 biochemical reactions,
supporting muscle and nerve function, blood glucose control, and bone
health. Sources include nuts, seeds, and whole grains.
Potassium:
Vital for maintaining fluid balance, nerve signals, and muscle
contractions, potassium is essential for heart health and can help reduce
blood pressure. Find it in bananas, oranges, and spinach.
Iron:
Integral to hemoglobin, iron is necessary for oxygen transport in the
blood. A deficiency can lead to anemia. Sources include red meat, poultry,
and beans.
Zinc:
Essential for immune function, DNA synthesis, and wound healing, zinc can
be sourced from meat, shellfish, legumes, and seeds.
Phosphorus:
Working with calcium, phosphorus builds bones and teeth and is key to
energy production. Sources include dairy products, meat, and nuts.
Sodium:
Necessary for fluid balance, nerve transmission, and muscle function,
sodium is found in table salt and foods like meat and dairy.
Iodine:
Critical for thyroid hormone production and metabolic regulation, iodine
can be found in iodized salt and seafood.
Copper:
Involved in red blood cell formation, immune function, and nerve
maintenance, copper is available in shellfish, nuts, and whole grains.
Selenium:
Acting as an antioxidant, selenium prevents cell damage and supports
thyroid function. Sources include Brazil nuts, seafood, and whole grains.
Addressing Mineral Deficiency
Today's food falls short in providing sufficient minerals
due to soil depletion and extensive processing methods. This deficiency can
lead to various health issues, making it essential to supplement your diet with
these critical nutrients. By embracing a diverse diet rich in whole,
unprocessed foods and considering quality supplements, you can maintain optimal
mineral levels.
Recommended Supplement
I highly recommend Essential Elements, a
comprehensive mineral supplement that contains all 90 minerals your body needs.
It's natural, balanced, and easily assimilated. You can find it at Organic Living for All.
Understanding the pivotal role of essential minerals and
ensuring they are part of your daily intake will significantly enhance your
overall health and well-being.