"Trace and Essential Minerals
Plant Source Minerals:
Best Choice"
Even in the smallest amounts, trace and essential minerals produce unexplainable, beneficial changes in body chemistry. They are required by the body to help facilitate a multitude of biochemical and physiologic processes necessary for the maintenance of life.
Minerals support the health of organs, bones, tissues and the immune system.
We do not synthesize minerals in our bodies, so we must acquire them from outside sources. Unfortunately, our soil is so depleted of nutrients because of overuse of the land and chemical fertilizers, that the foods we buy are generally lacking in a good amount of the essential minerals our bodies require. Processing foods further destroys the natural minerals in the food. Thus, there is a need for supplementation.
Minerals work together and in specific combination. The correct combination is necessary for the body to absorb and make full use of them. Because plant source minerals are from Mother Nature herself, you get the right combination without the guess work. Our bodies were meant to get minerals from vegetation. Plants assimilate minerals from the soil and convert them into forms that humans can consume and utilize.
"Essential Minerals"CALCIUMCalcium is probably the most important essential mineral we need because it is necessary to maintain the strength of our bones, the internal support structure of our whole body. Without good bone strength, our entire body collapses as do all the other systems in our body. The body is unable to produce calcium so it must get it from outside sources. There is always a certain amount of our calcium intake that circulates in the blood to be utilized in metabolic processes. If there is insufficient calcium in the blood, then the body draws on the calcium stored in the bones, and over time, we develop osteoporosis which is found in both men and women. Calcium requirements range from 1000 to 1500 mgs a day, with more needed as we get older. Good sources of calcium include dairy products, oysters, salmon, collard greens, spinach, kale, broccoli and oranges PHOSPHERUSPhosphorus works together with calcium at a 1:2 ratio, to keep our bones and teeth strong. It helps maintain the acid/base balance in our bodies. It contributes to the strengthening of cell walls. It also helps to provide the energy for metabolism of foods by bonding to ATP(Adenosine triphosphate). Check this link for more information about ATP.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Adenosine_triphosphate
The recommended allowance is about 1000 mg. a day Phosphorus is easily absorbed by the body and is found in high-protein foods such as meats, fish, eggs, dairy products and nuts. Most times you do not need to supplement it unless you are taking excessive amounts of antacids. The aluminum hydroxide in the antacids prevent, or reduce, the absorption of the phospherous we get in our foods.
MAGNESIUMMagnesium is another essential mineral. It is necessary for over 300 biochemical reactions in the body including working with calcium to help keep bones strong. Magnesium also works to maintain the acid/alkaline balance in the body. This is critical for the healthy functioning of nerves and muscles. It also helps regulate the heart rhythm to keep it steady, normalizes blood pressure and helps regulate blood sugar levels. It is important in the activation of enzymes which metabolize proteins, and carbohydrates. The recommended dose of magnesium is 400 milligrams. Some of the better sources of magnesium are halibut, almonds, cashews, soybeans, spinach, potatoes, peanuts, wheat bran, yogurt and skim milk. There are many more, but too many to list.
ZINCZinc is also an essential mineral our bodies need. It is found in just about every cell in our bodies. It is important for the production of enzymes which help our immune system function effectively. These enzymes are also involved in regulating cell division and growth. Wound healing is dependent on these enzymes. During pregnancy, the zinc helps in normal growth and development, and carries through into childhood and adolescence. Taste and smell are dependent on zinc. Other benefits which may result from Zinc are: - relief from the symptoms of the common cold, - possible relief of symptoms related to prostate problems, - reduction of the progression of age-related macular degeneration, - and enhanced sexual performance. The recommended dose of zinc for women is 11 mgs.
For men, it is 8 mgs. Zinc can be found in many of the food we eat on a daily basis. The best sources are meats, liver, and seafood, especially oyster. Lesser amounts can be found in milk and other dairy products, wheat germ, a variety of beans and brewer's yeast. Generally, most people are not deficient in the essential mineral, zinc, although, strict vegetarians may not get sufficient amounts. People in countries where there is a shortage of food, especially meats, would have deficiencies in zinc.
"Trace Minerals"
Chromiumis essential for the functioning of several enzyme systems. The most common thing it works with is Insulin which affects the level of glucose in your blood. Insulin also is involved in the metabolism of triglycerides so chromium is important there also. The only common food source of chromium is brewer's yeast.
Copperis a critical mineral for almost every part of your bodies. Your immune system and nervous system, as well as, the formation of red blood cells, healthy joints, the heart, skin and liver, are dependent on an adequate intake of copper. It is important that there is a balance of between copper and zinc.
Your best sources of copper are in whole grains, nuts, shellfish, liver and dark-green, leafy vegetables.
Iodineis responsible for the development and function of the thyroid gland. The thyroid gland is responsible for how quickly the body burns energy, makes proteins, and how sensitive the body should be to other hormones.
The most concentrated sources is iodized salt. Iodine is also available in drinking water, seafood such as clams, lobster, oysters, sardines and ocean fish, and in dairy products
Manganeseis important in bone and cartilage formation, as well as, being involved with enzyme reactions which promote healthy nerve, brain, and thyroid function, reproduction and glucose tolerance.
The best sources are from grains and cereal products. Animal products have minimal, to no, manganese in them.
Molybdenumworks with several enzymes in the body. It is readily available in milk, beans, breads and cereals.
"Electrolytes"
The electrolytes in your diet, sodium, potassium and chloride, are necessary for building the neuro-transmitters in your body.These transmitters are responsible for conduction of electrical impulses along the nerves. How effectively these impulses are transmitted, dictates how rapidly you react physically. Sodiumcannot be produced by the body so it must be gotten from food. It is a component of all fluids in the body and works to maintain the fluid balance and acid/alkaline balance of the bodily fluids outside of the cells.
Chlorideworks with the sodium to maintain the fluid balance and preserve the acid/alkaline balance outside the cells. It aids in the absorption of potassium, makes up part of the digestive stomach acid, and enhances the uptake of carbon dioxide by the blood so it can be carried to the lungs and exhaled.
Potassiumregulates the fluid balance inside of the cells. It is also capable of conducting electricity so it is critical in conduction of nerve impulse, muscle contractions and normalizing blood pressure.Working together, sodium, chloride and potassium, help regulate the movement of fluids in and out of the cells of the body. It is this movement that carries nutrients into body cells and the resulting wastes out.
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