MINERALS
As important vitamins are, they can do nothing for you without
minerals. Vitamins cannot be assimilated without the aid of minerals. And though the body
can manufacture a few vitamins, it cannot manufacture a single mineral. All tissues and
internal fluids of our body contain varying quantities of minerals. Minerals are
constituents of the bones, teeth, soft tissue, muscle, blood, and nerve cells. They are
vital to overall mental and physical well-being.
Minerals act as catalysts for many biological reactions within the body,
including muscle response, the transmission of messages through the nervous system, the
production of hormones, digestion, and the utilization of nutrients in foods.
CALCIUM
IMPORTANCE: Builds and
maintains bones and teeth; regulates heart rhythm; eases insomnia; helps regulate the
passage of nutrients in & out of the cell walls; assists in normal blood clotting;
helps maintain proper nerve and muscle function; lowers blood pressure; important to
normal kidney function and in current medical research reduces the incidence of colon
cancer, and reduces blood cholesterol levels.
DEFICIENCY SYMPTOMS: May
result in arm and leg muscles spasms, softening of bones, back and leg cramps, brittle
bones, rickets, poor growth, osteoporosis ( a deterioration of the bones), tooth decay,
depression.
MAGNESIUM
IMPORTANCE: Plays an
important role in regulating the neuromuscular activity of the heart; maintains normal
heart rhythm; necessary for proper calcium & Vitamin C metabolism; converts blood
sugar into energy.
DEFICIENCY SYMPTOMS: May
result in calcium depletion, heart spasms, nervousness, muscular excitability, confusion;
kidney stones.
IRON
IMPORTANCE: Its major
function is to combine with protein and copper in making haemoglobin. Haemoglobin
transports oxygen in the blood from the lungs to the tissues which need oxygen to maintain
basic life functions. Iron builds up the quality of the blood and increases resistance to
stress and disease. It is also necessary for the formation of myoglobin which is found
only in muscle tissue. Myoglobin supplies oxygen to muscle cells for use in the chemical
reaction that results in muscle contraction. Iron also prevent fatigue and promotes good
skin tone.
DEFICIENCY SYMPTOMS: May
result in weakness, paleness of skin, constipation, anaemia.
IODINE
IMPORTANCE: Aids in the
development and functioning of the thyroid gland; regulates the body's production of
energy; helps burn excess fat by stimulating the rate of metabolism; mentality, speech,
the condition of the hair, skin, & teeth are dependent upon a well functioning thyroid
gland.
DEFICIENCY SYMPTOMS: May
result in an enlarged thyroid gland, slow mental reaction, dry skin & hair, weight
gain, loss of physical & mental vigour.
COPPER
IMPORTANCE: Necessary for the
absorption & utilization of Iron; helps oxidize Vitamin C and works with Vitamin C to
form Elastin, a chief component of the Elastin muscle fibres throughout the body; aids in
the formation of red blood cells; helps proper bone formation & maintenance.
DEFICIENCY SYMPTOMS: May
result in general weakness, impaired respiration, skin sores.
ZINC
IMPORTANCE: Is an antioxidant
nutrient; necessary for protein synthesis; wound healing; vital for the development of the
reproductive organs, prostate functions and male hormone activity; it governs the
contractility of muscles; important for blood stability; maintains the body's alkaline
balance; helps in normal tissue function; aids in the digestion and metabolism of
phosphorus.
DEFICIENCY SYMPTOMS: May
result in delayed sexual maturity, prolonged healing wounds, white spots on finger nails,
retarded growth, stretch marks, fatigue, decreased alertness, susceptibility to
infections.
MANGANESE
IMPORTANCE: An antioxidant
nutrient; important in the blood breakdown of amino acids and the production of energy;
necessary for the metabolism of Vitamin B-1 & Vitamin E; Activates various enzymes
which are important for proper digestion & utilization of foods; is a catalyst in the
breakdown of fats & cholesterol; helps nourish the nerves and brain; necessary for
normal skeletal development; maintains sex hormone production.
DEFICIENCY SYMPTOMS: May
result in paralysis, convulsions, dizziness, ataxia, loss of hearing, digestive problems,
blindness and deafness in infants.
CHROMIUM
IMPORTANCE: Works with
insulin in the metabolism of sugar and stabilizes blood sugar levels; cleans the arteries
by reducing Cholesterol & Triglyceride levels; helps transport amino acids to where
the body needs them; helps control the appetite; medical research has shown that persons
with low levels of Chromium in their bodies are more susceptible to having cancer and
heart problems and becoming diabetic.
DEFICIENCY SYMPTOMS: May
result in glucose intolerance in diabetics; atherosclerosis, heart disease, depressed
growth, obesity, tiredness.
POTASSIUM
IMPORTANCE: Works with sodium
to regulate the body's waste balance and normalize heart rhythms; aids in clear thinking
by sending oxygen to the brain; preserves proper alkalinity of body fluids; stimulates the
kidneys to eliminate poisonous body wastes; assists in reducing high blood pressure;
promotes healthy skin.
DEFICIENCY SYMPTOMS: May
result in poor reflexes, nervous disorders, respiratory failure, cardiac arrest, muscle
damage.
SELENIUM
IMPORTANCE: A major
antioxidant nutrient, protects cell membranes and prevents free radical generation thereby
decreasing the risk of cancer and disease of the heart and blood vessels. Medical surveys
show that increased selenium intake decreases the risk of breast, colon, lung and prostate
cancer. Selenium also preserves tissue elasticity; slows down the ageing and hardening of
tissues through oxidation; helps in the treatment and prevention of dandruff.
DEFICIENCY SYMPTOMS: May
result in premature ageing, heart disease, dandruff, loose skin.
TRACE MINERALS
Minerals that occur in tiny amounts or traces. They play a major role in
health, since even minute portions of them can powerfully affect health. They are
essential in the assimilation and utilization of vitamins and other nutrients. They aid in
digestion and provide the catalyst for many hormones, enzymes and essential body functions
and reactions. they also aid in replacing electrolytes lost through heavy perspiration or
extended diarrhoea and protects against toxic reaction and heavy metal poisoning.
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