Minerals

Minerals help your body grow, develop, and stay healthy. The body uses minerals to perform many different functions — from building strong bones to transmitting nerve impulses. Some minerals are even used to make hormones or maintain a normal heartbeat. The two kinds of minerals are: macrominerals and trace minerals.

• Calcium - The National Osteoporosis Foundation says, "Calcium plays an important role in building stronger, denser bones early in life and keeping bones strong and healthy later in life." Calcium is required for muscle contraction, blood vessel expansion and contraction, secretion of hormones and enzymes, and transmitting impulses throughout the nervous system . The two main forms of calcium in supplements are carbonate and citrate. Calcium supplements are used to prevent and to treat calcium deficiencies. Milk is an excellent source of dietary calcium because it has a high concentration of calcium and the calcium in milk is excellently absorbed. Vitamin D and parathormone is needed for utilization. Acid, lactose and Vitamin D favor absorption.
• Phosporus - It plays a major role in biological molecules such as DNA and RNA where it forms part of the structural framework of these molecules. Living cells also use phosphate to transport cellular energy in the form of adenosine triphosphate (ATP). It helps in development of bone and teeth, transfer of energy in cells (ATP), cell permeability, and buffer salts.Phosphorus works with the B vitamins. It also assists in the contraction of muscles, in the functioning of kidneys, in maintaining the regularity of the heartbeat, and in nerve conduction. The main food sources are the protein food groups of meat and milk. A meal plan that provides adequate amounts of calcium and protein also provides an adequate amount of phosphorus.
• Magnessium - It is important for every organ in the body, particularly the heart, muscles, and kidneys. It also contributes to the composition of teeth and bones. Most importantly, it activates enzymes, contributes to energy production, and helps regulate calcium levels as well as copper, zinc, potassium, vitamin D, and other important nutrients in the body. The principal function of magnesium that is critical in thyroid disease is that it enables muscles to relax. Magnesium is vital in helping prevent heart attacks. Chocolate is a good source of magnesium.
• Sulfur - Constituent of keratin in hair, skin and nails; detoxification reactions; constituent of thiamin, biotin, insulin, coenzyme A, melanin, and glutathione. Diet-adequate in protein provides sufficient sullfur.
• Iron - Iron is part of hemoglobin, the oxygen-carrying component of the blood. Iron-deficient people tire easily because their bodies are starved for oxygen. Iron is also part of myoglobin, which helps muscle cells store oxygen. The most absorbable form of iron, called “heme” iron, is found in oysters, meat, liver, poultry, and fish. Non-heme iron is also found in these foods, as well as in dried fruit, molasses, leafy green vegetables, wine, and most iron supplements. Other dietary sources include red meat, fish (tuna, salmon), eggs, fruits, beans, whole grains, and enriched grains.
• Sodium - is a systemic electrolyte and is essential in coregulating ATP with potassium. Dietary sources include table salt (sodium chloride, the main source), sea vegetables, milk, and spinach.
• Zinc -Zinc is a constituent of many enzymes and is essential for the proper function of these various enzymes. Zinc is essential for the metabolism and structural stability of nucleic acids. Zinc is pervasive and required for several enzymes such as carboxypeptidase, liver alcohol dehydrogenase, and carbonic anhydrase.The zinc content of the adult human body ranges from 1.4 to 2.5 grams, with the highest concentrations in the bone, liver, kidney, pancreas and muscle tissue.
• Magnessium - is required for processing ATP and for bones. Dietary sources include nuts, soy beans, and cocoa.Magnesium acts to relax muscles after calcium stimulates contraction. It is also necessary for the attachment of RNA to the protein-synthesizing ribosomal protein and for the synthesis, degradation, and stability of DNA. Magnesium is required so that the body can use other vitamins and minerals properly – vitamin C and calcium work better, for example, when there is sufficient magnesium in the body. Magnesium is starting to be a mainstream medication for people with migraines, asthma and diabetes.