Minerals and the Human Body

    

       When we think of minerals, we usually picture either a beautiful specimen in a collection or the scum-like mineral deposits in our sinks. What we often do not realize is that minerals play an important role in keeping the human body healthy.

          As children, most of us were told by our parents, "Take your vitamins!" But how many of us can remember being told to take our minerals? Although minerals are often overlooked, they are vital in keeping our bodies functioning and stable. There are many different kinds of minerals which are utilized by the body for different functions.

        There are the bulk minerals which are needed in larger quantities on a daily basis.

Bulk Minerals

• Calcium

• Chlorine

• Magnesium

. Phosphorus

• Potassium

• Sodium

. Sulfur

       Other important minerals are called trace minerals. These are not required or

utilized by the body in very large amounts, but still are necessary to maintain balanced diet.

Trace Minerals

• Chromium

• Cobalt

• Copper

• Fluorine

• lodine

• Iron

• Manganese

· Molybdenum

• Selenium

• Zinc

        Minerals serve many functions in the body. Without minerals, our bodies would not be able to utilize the benefits of vitamins. Some minerals, like calcium, help build strong bones and teeth.

When our bodies experience a mineral deficiency, a number of illnesses can occur. 

         For example, when there is a calcium deficiency, osteoporosis, 

arthritis, and other joint and bone diseases can result, as well as some kinds of cancer, heart disease, and even miscarriage or birth defects.

           A lack of iron can cause anemia, which is the most prevalent mineral deficiency condition in the world. It can lead to death, and is seen worldwide, but especially in third-world and poverty-stricken nations. When there is a deficiency in sodium, a serious condition called hyponatremia can develop. Some symptoms include

         It really is amazing how much our bodies need minerals to survive and

function. Who knew that minerals could be so important? It is vital that we under stand the daily requirements of minerals that are necessary to maintain a healthy diet and lifestyle and the sources in which we can find them. Many minerals are found in foods we eat on a daily basis, and others can be gained by eating more fruits, vegetables, and legumes, and drinking more milk.

   

 

   So next time you're in the grocery store, skip over the potato chips and donuts and choose a healthy alternative. Check the foods you eat to make sure you are meeting the daily mineral require ments. If a particular mineral is not found in the foods you eat, supple menting it may be necessary.

     No matter which way you get your minerals-through your diet or supplements in pill, powder, or liquid 

form-it is important to be consistent in your daily intake. Just like vitamins, it is important to not forget to Take your minerals!"