Minerals --which ones are essential and what they do.

Minerals -our Bodies need Them

Dietary minerals are essential to health. These nutrients are created in geological processes. The human body needs them, in small amounts, to keep the body functioning in a strong fashion. Eating natural foods in their raw state and ensuring they are also organic, provides an excellent source of these nutrients. About 25 of these nutrients have been identified as necessary to our health. Sixteen of them are essential and must be supplied in our diet. These nutrients are inorganic while vitamins are organic. Major inorganic nutrients such as calcium, magnesium, sodium, potassium, phosphorus and chlorine are needed in the daily diet in amounts of 100milligrams or more. Acute imbalances of these nutrients can be catastrophic. Trace inorganic nutrients include iron, cobalt, chromium, copper, iodine, manganese, selenium, zinc and molybdenum. They are usually required in smaller amounts of less than 100milligrams per day.

The Role of Inorganic Nutrients

These nutrients are needed to build tissue, they also play an important role in blood-clotting, nerve reactions and muscle function. Iron is needed to transport oxygen; calcium and phosphorus are important in growth and bone structure; potassium and sodium regulate electrolyte balance; chromium helps move blood sugar(glucose) into the cells for energy; copper helps the body use iron; iodine is necessary for physical and mental development; magnesium helps to maintain bones, muscles and nerves; zinc functions as an antioxidant and is critical in many biochemical reactions and selenium is incorporated into protien to make important antioxidant enzymes.

Conflict

Mineral supplements and antioxidant supplements do not live in harmony. When introduced together, they start to compete. And guess what, recent research demonstrates that the minerals win, every time,by destroying the antioxidants in the small intestine, before they can be absorbed to fight Free Radicals.

Bioavailability to the Rescue?

This is where the "rubber meets the road". Many supplements are sold in a liquid format, and are readily absorbed into our blood for distribution to where they are needed. This ready absorbtion is referred to as "bioavailability". In other words, this liquid format has a rapid and high percentage absorbtion compared to tablets and capsules. Not only is this health effective it is cost effective. Also, you should take your antioxidant supplement(s) several hours before your mineral supplement(s)and Ester "c" should be included with the anti-oxidant to increase the synergy of action as well as the absorption rate. Also, check your mineral supplement label and stay away from antioxidants in these supplements as their destruction is imminent and there-fore a waste.

Keep it Adequate

We must sustain adequate intake levels of these nutrients for a healthy life. Excessive intake is dangerous. Balance is the key.

Organic
What are Antioxidants?
Minerals to Senior Wellness Center