Minerals: "the building stones to all cells in our bodies"

Before there were vitamins, food and life, there were minerals. Minerals are what we are made of! They also act as building stones to all cells in our bodies. Let's take a look at some minerals!

Calcium
The most valuable mineral for the growing person. It is of great benefit to those recovering from illness. The bones of the body are mainly made up of calcium, and this element gives tone to muscles, while lack of it leads to decay in the bones and teeth. The human body contains more calcium than any other mineral, over 90% of which is deposited in bones and teeth to keep them strong and hard. The remainder is essential for healthy blood for a regular heartbeat and the health of the nervous system. Calcium deficiency is generally characterized by muscle cramps, numbness and tingling in arms and legs. Adequate calcium means - Strength, energy, decision making, inventing and good thought production.

Best natural sources:
Milk and milk products, all cheeses, soybeans, tofu, sardines, salmon, peanuts, walnuts, sunflower seeds, dried beans, kale, broccoli and collard greens.

Zinc
It often overshadows the mineral's other important duties. It is vital in the absorption and action of many vitamins. It is a component of insulin and is necessary for proper skin, nail and hair growth and appearance. It is also crucial for the speedy, healthy healing of cuts and burns. Deficiency indications include: stretch marks on the skin, white spots on finger nails, impaired sexual functioning, fatigue and prolonged healing of wounds.

Best natural sources:
Meat, liver, seafood (oysters especially), wheat germ, brewers yeast, pumpkin seeds, eggs, ground mustard, legumes, lima beans, mushrooms, pecans, all seeds, soy lecithin and whole grains.

Chromium
It is a trace mineral. Chromium has a crucial role to play in human health. It is responsible for the metabolism of glucose into energy and can boost the effectiveness of insulin. A lack of chromium can result in fatigue, energy loss, blood sugar imbalance, the symptoms of hypoglycemia. As we grow older maintaining proper levels is very difficult because we absorb less.

Best natural sources:
Calves livers, wheat germ, brewers yeast, chicken, corn oil and clams.

Copper
Necessary for proper iron absorption, bone growth and health, and the production of RNA in the body's cells. Deficiencies are rare, but a lack of copper can cause anemia and edema. Since copper competes with zinc in the body, too much copper can precipitate a zinc deficiency.



Best natural sources:
Dried beans, peas, whole wheat, prunes, organ meats, shrimp and most seafood.

Iodine
Required for the proper functioning of the thyroid gland. Iodine plays a major role in regulating the production of energy and stimulates the rate of metabolism, iodine deficiencies may lead to obesity, sluggishness, slowed mental reactions and hardening of the arteries.

Best natural sources:
Kelp, vegetables grown in iodine rich soil, onions, and all seafood.

Magnesium
A powerful agent in the elimination of waste matter from the system. Deficiencies are quite common with symptoms being nervousness, muscle twitches, confusion and formation of calcium deposits. Due to its importance within the central nervous system, magnesium has a reputation as a calming and relaxing substance.

Best natural sources:
Unmilled grains, figs, almonds, nuts, seeds, dark green vegetables and bananas.

Iron
Carries oxygen from the lungs to all parts of the body. It gives strength to the nerves and muscle and makes the blood rich and pure. Deficiencies commonly include such symptoms as chronic fatigue, pale complexion, constipation, hair loss and anemia.

Best natural sources:
Pork, beef, liver, red meat, clams, dried peaches, farina, egg yolks, oysters, nuts, beans, asparagus, molasses and oatmeal.

Sodium
Is a necessary constituent of the gastric juices, and is found in all fluids in the body. It is valuable for eliminating acids from the system in general. It keeps other minerals soluble in blood and is involved in muscle expansion and contraction. Most people get too much sodium which can cause dizziness, water retention and the loss of potassium.

Best natural sources:
Salt, shellfish, carrots, beets, artichokes, dried beef and bacon.

Potassium
Required for generating the electric and magnetic forces in the body for rebuilding tissues, flesh, bones and muscles. It gives flexibility to the muscles. Potassium is necessary for normal growth, it helps regulate the heartbeat and encourages kidneys to flush out body wastes.

Best natural sources:
Citrus fruits, cantaloupe, tomatoes, watercress, all green leafy vegetables, mint leaves, sunflower seeds, bananas and potatoes.

Manganese
Acts as an enzyme activator and catalyst. It provides nourishment to the nerves and brain. A deficiency can prevent excess sugar from being removed from the blood, impar muscle coordination and cause fatigue and female disorders.

Best natural sources:
Whole grain cereals, nuts, green leafy vegetables, peas, beets, dried beans, blueberries, blackberries, carrots, oatmeal, peanuts, seaweed and spinach

Phosphorous
A stimulant to the nerves and brain. It is present in every cell in the body Without this element, the bones deteriorate and lung tissues become prey to infections, which under healthy conditions are destroyed by phosphoric acid.

Best natural sources:
Fish, poultry, meat, whole grains, eggs, nuts and seeds.


Silicon
Absorbs gases in the body, especially in the bowels, and is substance in the cells of connective tissues. Silicon is needed for vitamin B assimilation.

Best natural sources:
Fish, honey, apples, cherries, oranges, oats, rice, barley, wheat, raw cabbage, carrots, onions, pumpkin, eggplant, celery, corn and cucumber
*Hard water is also a rich source of silicon and it is significantly less in soft water.

Selenium
It is highly valued for its natural antioxidant powers and is known to retard aging and help preserve tissue elasticity by neutralizing harmful oxidative reactions in the cells. The main deficiency symptom is premature aging, but deficiencies have also been linked to infertility and lowered intelligence.

Best natural sources:
Seafood, kidney, liver, wheat germ, bran, tuna fish, onions, tomatoes, broccoli, garlic and brown rice.

References:
1. Kroeger, Hanna (1984), God Help Those Who Help Themselves.
2. Mindell, Earl (1985) Earl Mindell's New Vitamin Bible, Revised Edition 2004. New York, USA by Time Warner Book Group.
3. Balch, Phyllis A. (1992) Prescription for dietary wellness. 2nd-Ed. Published simultaneously in Canada.