Essential Minerals for Your Health

Essential Minerals for Your Health

Silver and gold are the most common valuable metals and minerals that come to mind. However, there are some that are significantly more valuable in terms of your health, such as iron and calcium. There is a distinct function that each of these minerals plays in maintaining life in the human body.

Researchers have classified these nutrients into two categories based on their concentration in the body: major minerals and trace minerals.

The seven essential minerals

Because your body has more of the key minerals, they stand out more than the others. Imagine if you could take all the minerals in your body and put them on a scale; they'd weigh around 5 pounds. The two most prevalent main minerals, calcium and phosphorus, would make up over four pounds of that. For the most part, the other five minerals would account for the last pound.

Mineral calcium.

Strong and sturdy bones and teeth are the result of calcium, the body's most prevalent mineral. In its absence, they would droop to the level of your ears. Try to picture yourself navigating at that time.

However, calcium does not merely remain bound up in your bones. Some of it makes its way into your bloodstream. In that area, it plays a crucial role in maintaining stable blood pressure and facilitating muscular contractions. Calcium is essential for the proper functioning of one very important muscle in the body: the heart.

Maintaining healthy bones as an adult depends on getting enough calcium while you're a kid. It is possible to increase one's intake of this vital mineral at any age.

As a phosphate.

Building and maintaining healthy bones and teeth is a joint effort between calcium and the second-most abundant mineral in your body. Phosphorus aids in the production of new, healthy cells throughout the body and is an essential component of DNA and cell membranes. Finally, phosphorus aids in the conversion of food into energy.

Salt and chlorine. Without this component, your stomach would be of no use. Your stomach acids primarily consist of chloride. Additionally, it aids in the monumental task of ensuring that every cell in your body receives an adequate amount of nutrients.

The mineral magnesium.

Despite its rarity, magnesium is one of your body's most important minerals. Aside from assisting with tooth and bone health, it also ensures that proteins, potassium, calcium, and vitamin D all carry out their respective functions. Magnesium restores muscle relaxation after a muscular contraction.

The link between magnesium and cardiovascular health was only recently discovered by specialists. Your risk of cardiovascular disease and hypertension may rise if you do not get enough of the mineral.

Sodium potassium.

Among potassium's numerous critical functions are the regulation of blood pressure and heart rate, the maintenance of cellular water balance, and the proper functioning of muscles and neurones. This mineral, similar to magnesium, may play a crucial role in maintaining heart function.

Sodium chloride.

The fact that it is the primary component of salt is why this mineral is often criticised. However, sodium is essential for the body to keep its fluid balance. For health reasons, these days most individuals attempt to cut back on sodium, or salt. Those who are "salt-sensitive" are more likely to suffer from cardiovascular disease. However, reducing sodium consumption to 2,400 milligrammes or less per day would be beneficial for everyone.

Inorganic sulphur.

Among minerals, this one is the supporting star. Along with other superstar nutrients like protein and thiamine, it doesn't accomplish much on its own. Because it gives proteins their form and makes them durable, sulphur is crucial to proteins. Sulphur is most abundant in the proteins that make up your hair, nails, and skin, which are also the hardest parts of your body.

Protective trace minerals little but mighty

Trace minerals are defined as having a very small percentage of your body weight; in fact, they individually account for less than a twentieth of a percent. Despite their small size, their value is amplified. Their roles are as crucial as those of any of the more common nutrients, and they perform vast duties.

Iodine is a mineral.

This mineral is essential for the production of thyroid hormones by your glands. All of your major organs' metabolisms are controlled by these chemicals, which also govern your body temperature. A disorder known as goitre can develop when iodine levels in the body are too low.

Metallic iron.

If you didn't have even one teaspoon of this mineral, you wouldn't be able to breathe. Iron is a component of the oxygen-carrying molecules haemoglobin and myoglobin. It is understandable that being iron-deficient can make you feel lethargic and feeble.

Selenium is a mineral.

Selenium performs vital functions in your body on a regular basis and is now best known for its cancer-fighting capabilities. For example, it's vital for a strong immune system and aids the thyroid in using iodine. Heart and thyroid problems can develop from a selenium shortage.

Metal zinc.

Numerous uses exist for this mineral. Among many other things, it can neutralise free radicals, create new cells, and harness energy from various nutrients. Serious issues with digestion and nutritional deficits might result from a zinc shortage.

The five superheroes. Five trace minerals are present in typical foods and drinks: chromium, copper, fluoride, manganese, and molybdenum. A healthy blood sugar level (chromium) and strong teeth (fluoride) are both effects of these elements. Nutritionists have established daily needs for each of these nutrients because of how crucial they are.

A number of other minerals are currently the subject of intense research to determine their absolute necessity for human health. Among these, boron stands out as a potentially game-changing component for maintaining strong bones and joints.