MINERALS & OUR HEALTH

Minerals are essential nutrients required by the human body for normal growth, development, and maintenance. They are inorganic substances found in the earth’s crust, and are required in trace amounts for various metabolic functions. They play a vital role in maintaining healthy bones, teeth, muscles, and nerve function.

There are two categories of minerals –

• Macro minerals
• Trace minerals.

Macro minerals are required in larger amounts

• Calcium.
• Phosphorus.
• Magnesium.
• Potassium.
• Sodium .
• Chloride.

These minerals are essential for the proper functioning of the body and are required in significant amounts.

Calcium is essential for healthy bones and teeth, muscle function, nerve transmission, and blood clotting. Phosphorus is necessary for bone and teeth formation, DNA synthesis, and energy metabolism. Magnesium is involved in over 300 enzymatic reactions in the body, including energy metabolism, protein synthesis, and muscle and nerve function. Potassium is important for muscle and nerve function, fluid balance, and blood pressure regulation. Sodium and chloride are essential for fluid balance, nerve function, and blood pressure regulation.

Trace minerals are required in smaller amounts.

• Iron
• Zinc
• Iodine
• Selenium
• Copper
• Manganese
• Fluoride
• Chromium
• Molybdenum

These minerals are essential for the proper functioning of the body, and even a slight deficiency can lead to health problems.

Iron is required for the production of hemoglobin in red blood cells, which carries oxygen to the body’s cells. Zinc is important for the immune system, wound healing, and DNA synthesis. Iodine is necessary for the production of thyroid hormones, which regulate metabolism. Selenium is a powerful antioxidant that protects cells from damage. Copper is essential for the production of red blood cells and connective tissue. Manganese is important for bone development, metabolism, and wound healing. Fluoride is required for healthy teeth and bones. Chromium is involved in glucose metabolism, and molybdenum is important for the metabolism of certain amino acids.

Deficiency of minerals can cause many diseases and deficiency symptoms.

Deficiency of minerals can lead to various health problems,  including anemia, osteoporosis, and heart disease. Iron deficiency can lead to anemia, which is characterized by fatigue, weakness, and shortness of breath. Calcium deficiency can lead to osteoporosis, a condition in which bones become weak and brittle. Magnesium deficiency can lead to muscle cramps, high blood pressure, and heart disease. Potassium deficiency can cause muscle weakness, fatigue, and heart arrhythmias. Iodine deficiency can lead to goiter, a condition in which the thyroid gland becomes enlarged, as well as mental retardation and cretinism. Zinc deficiency can lead to delayed wound healing, hair loss, and decreased immunity. Selenium deficiency can lead to muscle weakness, cardiomyopathy, and increased risk of cancer.

Eradication of diseases removing deficiency of minerals.

To eradicate diseases caused by deficiency of minerals, it is essential to consume a balanced diet that includes a variety of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean protein sources. Fruits and vegetables that

are rich in minerals include spinach, kale, broccoli, sweet potatoes, bananas, avocados, oranges, and strawberries. Whole grains that are rich in minerals include quinoa, brown rice, and oats. Lean protein sources that are rich in minerals are beans and lentils.

The essential minerals for human body

1. Calcium: Required for healthy bones, muscle function, nerve transmission, and blood clotting.
2. Phosphorus: Necessary for bone and teeth formation, DNA synthesis, and energy metabolism.
3. Magnesium: Involved in over 300 enzymatic reactions in the body, including energy metabolism, protein synthesis, and muscle and nerve function.
4. Potassium: Important for muscle and nerve function, fluid balance, and blood pressure regulation.

The Function of Sodium and Chloride in human body.

1. Sodium and chloride are two essential minerals that work together to maintain proper fluid balance in the body.
2. Sodium is a positively charged ion that plays a crucial role in regulating the amount of fluid in and around cells. It works with potassium to maintain a proper balance of fluids inside and outside of cells. Sodium also helps to regulate blood pressure, nerve function, and muscle contraction. It is a key component of many bodily fluids, including blood, sweat, and urine.
3. Chloride is a negatively charged ion that works together with sodium to maintain fluid balance in the body. It is primarily found in extracellular fluid and works with sodium to regulate the movement of fluids across cell membranes. Chloride also plays a role in maintaining the body’s acid-base balance and helps to digest food by producing hydrochloric acid in the stomach.
4. Together, sodium and chloride are essential for maintaining proper hydration and electrolyte balance in the body. They are both found in table salt and many processed foods, but excessive intake can lead to high blood pressure, kidney damage, and other health problems. It is important to consume these minerals in moderation and to maintain a balanced diet rich in whole foods to ensure optimal health.

Deficiency Of Magnesium And Our Heart Health

 The magnesium deficiency can increase the risk of heart disease and may contribute to the development of heart attacks.

Magnesium is an essential mineral that plays a crucial role in maintaining heart health. It helps to regulate heart rhythm, blood pressure, and the function of blood vessels. A deficiency in magnesium can lead to abnormal heart rhythms, high blood pressure, and other cardiovascular problems.

MSG is a flavor enhancer commonly added to processed foods, restaurant meals, and some Asian cuisines. While some people may be sensitive to MSG and experience symptoms such as headache, sweating, or heart palpitations.

It is important to consume a balanced diet rich in whole foods to ensure adequate intake of all essential minerals, including magnesium. Foods that are high in magnesium include nuts, seeds, whole grains, legumes, leafy green vegetables, and seafood. If you are concerned about your magnesium intake or have a history of heart disease, talk to your healthcare provider about whether magnesium supplementation may be beneficial for you.

Why Zinc is important trace mineral for human body.

Zinc is an essential mineral that is required for a wide range of biological functions in the human body. Here are some of the key ways that zinc is beneficial to the body:

1. Supports immune system function: Zinc plays a critical role in maintaining a healthy immune system. It helps to activate T cells, which are white blood cells that play a key role in fighting off infections.
2. Promotes wound healing: Zinc is involved in many aspects of the wound healing process, including cell growth and division, DNA synthesis, and immune function. It can help to reduce inflammation and promote the growth of new tissue, making it an important nutrient for overall skin health.
3. Supports reproductive health: Zinc is required for the production of testosterone and other hormones involved in reproductive health. It is important for both male and female fertility and may help to improve sperm count and motility in men.
4. Promotes healthy growth and development: Zinc is necessary for proper growth and development, particularly during childhood and adolescence. It plays a role in bone growth, brain development, and overall physical growth.
5. Supports healthy vision: Zinc is found in high concentrations in the retina of the eye, where it helps to protect against oxidative stress and maintain healthy vision.
6. Regulates mood and cognitive function: Zinc is involved in the regulation of neurotransmitters, which are chemicals in the brain that help to regulate mood and cognitive function. Low levels of zinc have been associated with depression, anxiety, and other mood disorders.

Overall, zinc is an essential nutrient that plays a crucial role in many aspects of human health. Good dietary sources of zinc include dairy products, pumpkin seeds,nuts, and whole grains. Zinc supplements may be recommended for individuals who are at risk of deficiency or who have a specific health condition that may benefit from increased zinc intake.

(Nutrition Life Circle)