Health Benefits of Minerals

Health Benefits of Minerals

Minerals are very similar to vitamins, in that they function in the body as co-enzymes. They are little helpers. They help the body perform its daily internal chemistry.

Minerals are needed to help keep the blood and body fluids in their proper state. They are also needed to help form bone and support the nervous system. Minerals are important!

We find minerals as natural occurring elements on earth. We fine minerals in stone, rock, dust, sand and soil. This is proof of how close we resonate with the earth. Minerals are eaten by plants and we in turn eat the plants and grab their properties.

There are two types of minerals - trace and bulk.

The trace minerals are zinc, iodine, selenium, iron, copper, chromium and manganese.

The bulk minerals are needed in larger amounts by the body than trace minerals. They are calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, potassium and sodium.

There are some minerals that are available in chelated form to improve absorption. This allows the minerals to attach to a protein in order to transport it to the bloodstream to enhance absorption. When the mineral is absorbed, it is carried to the by blood to the cells. Once it reaches the cell, it crosses the cell membrane so that the cell can utilize it.

Because minerals are stored mostly in bone and muscle tissue, it is nearly impossible to overdose on them. The only way toxic amounts can accumulate in the body is if mega dosages are taken for an extended period of time.

Below is detailed List of Different Minerals :

BORON

DESCRIPTION: Boron is a trace mineral and is only needed in trace amounts. It helps metabolize calcium to maintain healthy bones. So why even take Boron if so little is required? In a group of post-menopausal women studied by the U.S. Department of Agriculture, boron was shown to significantly reduce the affect of calcium loss. So we can say that Boron is a sociable trace mineral with calcium and magnesium. It was also found that women who took Boron had double the blood level of the most active form of estrogen.

POTENTIAL BENEFITS: Helps protect against the demineralization of calcium, magnesium and phosphorus in our bones.

POTENTIAL SIDE EFFECTS: None known when taken as directed.

POTENTIAL INTERACTION: None known

GENERAL USAGE: May be taken daily up to 3 mg. per day.

FOOD SOURCES: Almonds, cider, dates, fruits, grains, green leafy vegetables, nuts, peanuts, prunes, raisins, soybeans, and wine.

CALCIUM

DESCRIPTION: Calcium is essential in order to form healthy teeth and bones. It also promotes a regular heartbeat and is important in nerve transmission. We also use calcium to grow muscle, contract muscle and to prevent those terrible cramping muscles during menses. It may prevent colon cancer, and lower blood pressure. If you have a shortage of calcium, where do you think the calcium would be leached? Of course, from our teeth and bones. Supplementing calcium in the diet can also prevent against osteoporosis.

POTENTIAL BENEFITS: Maintains healthy bones, cells, teeth, muscles, tissues, and the production of energy. Promotes a healthy heart and normalizes blood clotting.

POTENTIAL SIDE EFFECTS: None known when taken as directed.

POTENTIAL INTERACTION: May interfere with the Rx - verapamil. If you are suffering from kidney stones of kidney disease, you should avoid calcium supplements and contact your doctor for recommendations.

GENERAL USAGE: May be taken daily.

FOOD SOURCES: Almonds, asparagus, broccoli, buttermilk, cabbage, carob, cheese, collard greens, dairy, dandelion, dulse, figs, filberts, goat's milk, green leafy vegetables, kale, kelp, mustard greens, nonfat yogurt, oats, parsley, prunes, sardines, salmon, seafood, sesame seeds, skim milk, tofu, turnip greens, whey and yogurt.

CHROMIUM

DESCRIPTION: Chromium is a trace mineral and is needed for energy. It increases the metabolism of glucose and helps make cholesterol, fats and proteins. It helps to maintain blood sugar levels in hypoglycemics and diabetics.

POTENTIAL BENEFITS: Supports the metabolism of glucose and energy production. It also supports the cardiovascular system and cholesterol levels.

POTENTIAL SIDE EFFECTS: None known when taken as directed.

POTENTIAL INTERACTION: None known.

GENERAL USAGE: May be taken daily.

FOOD SOURCES: Beer, brewer's yeast, brown rice, cheese, red meat, chicken, corn, dairy products, mushrooms, potatoes (with skin), oysters, nuts, and liver.

COPPER

DESCRIPTION: Copper is an essential trace mineral and is involved in enzymatic reactions. It appears in high concentrations in the liver and brain. It aids in the formation of red blood cells, hemoglobin, and bone. It also works synergistically with Vitamin C and Zinc. It plays a role in our taste, hair and skin color.

POTENTIAL BENEFITS: Helps support the nervous system and aids in strong, flexible connective tissue.

POTENTIAL SIDE EFFECTS: If you have Wilson's Disease you should not take copper.

POTENTIAL INTERACTION: In combination with zinc, up to 3 mg of copper a day is considered safe as it may decrease the absorption of copper.

GENERAL USAGE: May be taken daily.

FOOD SOURCES: Liver, oats, oranges, shellfish, nuts, raisins, salmon, almonds, avocados, barley, beans, beets, blackstrap molasses, pecans, radishes, raisins, seafood, soybeans, green leafy vegetables, broccoli, dandelion greens, garlic, lentils seeds, cocoa powder, beans, whole grains, and mushrooms.

IODINE

DESCRIPTION: Iodine, a trace mineral. It is used by the thyroid to produce thyroxine. Thyroxin is a hormone which helps regulate energy production, body temperature, breathing, muscle tone and the maintenance of tissues. A deficiency in children may result in mental retardation. And in adults, a deficiency has been linked to breast cancer.

POTENTIAL BENEFITS: Supports your energy production, skin, nerves and reproductive function. Helps prevent against goiter.

POTENTIAL SIDE EFFECTS: None are known when taken as directed.

POTENTIAL INTERACTION: None known

GENERAL USAGE: May be taken daily.

FOOD SOURCES: Iodized salt, lobster, shrimp, cooked oysters, marine fish, soybeans, seaweed, breads, salt-water fish, white deep-water fish, garlic, lima beans, sea salt, dulse, asparagus, spinach, squash, Swiss chard, turnip greens and milk.

IRON

DESCRIPTION: Iron is vital in the formation of red blood cells (RBC's). Iron's most important function is its production of hemoglobin and oxygenation of RBC's. Iron is the mineral found in the largest amounts in the blood.

POTENTIAL BENEFITS: Iron builds up the quality of blood and increases the body's resistance to disease and stress. Iron attracts oxygen to the body and carries oxygen to the all body systems, tissues and organs. Iron improves circulation, digestion, elimination and respiration. Iron improves magnetism, optimism, vitality, courage and will. Iron also helps to improve memory and reasoning ability. Iron also helps to prevent colds.

POTENTIAL SIDE EFFECTS: Excessive Iron build-up in the body is associated with a rare disease known as hemochromatosis. Hemochromatosis is a disorder that causes bronze skin pigmentation, cirrhosis of the liver, diabetes and heart conditions. Iron deficiency symptoms include brittle hair and nails that are shaped like a spoon, or the nails will have ridges running lengthwise. Iron deficiency can also cause hair loss, fatigue, dizziness, pallor (paleness) and anemia. Iron deficiency may also result from intestinal bleeding, excessive menstrual bleeding, a diet the is poor or a diet that is high in phosphorus.

Iron deficiencies can also be caused by long-term illness, ulcers, excess coffee or tea consumption and long term use of antacids.

POTENTIAL INTERACTION: Excessive amounts of Vitamin E and Zinc interfere with Iron absorption. Also if you engage in strenuous exercise and perspire excessively, you can possibly deplete Iron from your body. Research indicates that Iron utilization is impaired by Rheumatoid Arthritis and Cancer. This will result in anemia even if adequate amounts of Iron is stored in the bone marrow, liver and spleen.

GENERAL USAGE: May be taken daily. Please consult with your doctor if you have any other the deficiency symptoms listed above.

FOOD SOURCES: Iron is found in whole grains, green leafy vegetables, eggs, fish, liver, meat, poultry and enriched cereals and breads. Iron is also found in almonds, avocados, beets, blackstrap molasses, brewer's yeast, dates, dulse, egg yolks, kelp, kidney beans, lima beans, lentils, millet, parsely, peaches, dried prunes, pumpkins, raisins, rice, wheat bran, sesame
seeds and soybeans.


MAGNESIUM

DESCRIPTION: Magnesium is an essential mineral and helps maintain proper pH balance, protects arterial linings and in the formation of bone. It assists in the uptake of calcium and potassium and assists with the transmission of nerve and muscles health. Magnesium helps prevent twitching, muscle weakness, depression, dizziness and heart conditions.

POTENTIAL BENEFITS: Maintains potassium levels and proper pH balance. Supports the cardiovascular system and healthy blood pressure. Promotes healthy blood sugar levels. Iron also helps to improve memory and reasoning ability. Iron also helps to prevent colds.

POTENTIAL SIDE EFFECTS: None known when taken as directed.

POTENTIAL INTERACTION: Large amounts of alcohol, diarrhea, zinc, and vitamin D all increase the body's need for magnesium.

GENERAL USAGE: May be taken daily.

FOOD SOURCES: Cod liver oil, almonds, chard, Brown rice, avocados, spinach, oatmeal, baked potatoes, rhubarb, spinach, navy beans, lima beans, broccoli, yogurt, cocoa, tea and bananas.

MANGANESE

DESCRIPTION: The word manganese comes from the Greek word for magic, which might give you an idea that manganese works magic in the body. In small amounts, this trace mineral is required to manufacture enzymes which are needed to metabolize protein and fat.

POTENTIAL BENEFITS: Supports your glucose metabolism. Promotes healthy bones, nerves, immune function and blood sugar levels.

POTENTIAL SIDE EFFECTS: None known when taken as directed.

POTENTIAL INTERACTION: None known.

GENERAL USAGE: May be taken daily.

FOOD SOURCES: Avocados, dried peas, whole grains, pineapple juice, green leafy vegetables, blueberries, wheat bran, wheat germ, egg yolks, whole grains, legumes, spinach, seeds, nuts, cocoa, shellfish, and tea.

MOLYBDENUM

DESCRIPTION: Although molybdenum, a trace mineral it is still an essential mineral. It helps the body use nitrogen and promotes healthy cell function.

POTENTIAL BENEFITS: Supports nitrogen metabolism and cell function.

POTENTIAL SIDE EFFECTS: None known when taken as directed.

POTENTIAL INTERACTION: If taken in high amounts it may interfere with metabolism of copper. A deficiency may cause impotence in older men. Over 15 mg daily may produce gout.

GENERAL USAGE: May be taken daily.

FOOD SOURCES: Vegetables, beans, whole grains, cereals, milk and milk products.

POTASSIUM

DESCRIPTION: This mineral is important to support the nervous system and helps with natural heart rhythm. It helps to stabilize blood pressure and assists in electrochemical transmissons. It assists other nutrients into the cells.

POTENTIAL BENEFITS: Helps maintain pH, and proper muscle contraction. Helps to prevent strokes. Works with sodium to maintain a water balance.

POTENTIAL SIDE EFFECTS: None known when taken as directed.

POTENTIAL INTERACTION: Using laxatives and diuretics, may disturb potassium levels and cause kidney disorders.

GENERAL USAGE: May be taken daily.

FOOD SOURCES: Dried apricots, baked potatoes, dried prunes, cantaloupe, bananas, legumes, wheat brain, yams, poultry, fish, dairy products, avocados, dates, figs, brown rice, fruit, blackstrap molasses, brewer's yeast, garlic, nuts and spinach.

SELENIUM

DESCRIPTION: This essential mineral is an antioxidant and prevents against free radical damage. It is needed for normal pancreatic function. It is best when combined with VitaminE.

POTENTIAL BENEFITS: Maintains healthy heart muscle and promotes a healthy immune system.

POTENTIAL SIDE EFFECTS: None known.

POTENTIAL INTERACTION: None known when taken as directed.

GENERAL USAGE: May be taken daily.

FOOD SOURCES: Onions, molasses, brown rice, chicken, wheat germ, tourla, tuna, brewer's yeast, broccoli, liver, salmon, Brazil nuts, lobster, clams, crab, cooked oysters, and whole grains.

ZINC

DESCRIPTION: Zinc can be found throughout the body body. When used in combination with Vitamin A, it promotes proper prostate function. It promotes a strong immune system, taste, and sense of smell.

POTENTIAL BENEFITS: Helps support your immune function, joints and tissues. Plays a critical role in cell division, repair and growth. Helps insulin function.

POTENTIAL SIDE EFFECTS: None known when taken as directed.

POTENTIAL INTERACTION: To avoid absorption competition. The proper copper and zinc ratio should be maintained.

GENERAL USAGE: May be taken daily.

FOOD SOURCES: Beef, lamb chops, oysters (cooked), egg yolks, sunflower seeds, sardines, lima beans, liver, mushrooms, soybeans, pecans, pumpkin seeds, fish, legumes, meats, whole grains, nuts, and yogurt.