A Selection of the Minerals that Keep Our Body Functioning

Minerals are just as important to keep our body functioning as vitamins are. Many of them we would not even think of if asked to produce a list. So, the purpose of this article will be to examine some of the lesser thought of minerals and establish just what use they play in keeping us healthy. Sometimes we can also use this extra knowledge to be better informed if we ever have to buy products similar to a dim supplement or some deficiency tablets to possibly help us even out possible imbalances in our system. Then, when we see them on food packets, we will know just why someone has gone to the trouble of highlighting them to us.

Copper

Not just a good conductor of electricity, copper also has a function within the human body. It is necessary for growth, cardiovascular function, and the elasticity of our lungs. Also for neuroendocrine function, neovascularization, and iron metabolism. Neuroendocrine is all about the interactions between our nervous system and the endocrine system and about the cells that release hormones into the blood while responding to stimulation from the nervous system. It is all necessary for the efficient functioning of the human body.

The average human will, though diet, ingest 1mg of copper per day. Half of this will be absorbed by us. It can be found in oysters and shellfish, nuts, whole grains, beans, and potatoes.

Iodine

The body uses iodine for thyroid hormone manufacture. These are the hormones that control the metabolism, among other functions. They are necessary for bone and brain development during both pregnancy and infancy, for instance.

Seaweed, such as kelp, contains iodine. Eggs are a good source too. For babies, iodine is present in breast milk.

Magnesium

A body needs magnesium so that it can regulate both nerve and muscle function. Magnesium will also control blood sugar levels and blood pressure and makes protein for our bones and DNA. You could also try magnesium calm supplement pills for anxiety and stress relief.

Magnesium is naturally present in various foods and products. Also, you can obtain it as a dietary supplement or medicine. The foods highest in magnesium are greens, dry beans, seeds, nuts, whole grains, oat bran, and wheat germ.

Phosphorus

For keeping bones healthy, you need phosphorus in your system. In addition, it helps keep our muscles and blood vessels working.

You will find that phosphorus is naturally present in many foods that are rich in protein. So, these will include meat, fish, poultry, dairy products, beans, and nuts.

Potassium

Cells, muscles, and nerves benefit from potassium so that they can function properly. It is also a mineral that will regulate heart rhythm, blood pressure, and water content within our cells. In addition, it aids digestion.

Potassium is in foods that we eat and is available through dietary supplements. Bananas are a great source of potassium. As are oranges, apricots, and grapefruits. To add to the fruits that contain it, we have cooked spinach and broccoli, potatoes that are sweet or otherwise, peas, cucumber, and mushrooms.

Selenium

Our body also needs to ingest and absorb selenium to stay healthy. It is vital for reproduction, DNA production, and thyroid function. If in case you’ve any issues with the thyroid gland, a qualified naturopathic practitioner could be of immense help. Also, selenium protects our body from the free radicals you might have heard about. These are the molecules or atoms that are unstable and so have the potential to damage cells. We must have selenium in our bodies when it comes to protecting against infections. There are plenty of those to need to fight off.

Selenium is present in foods and through supplements. One large egg will provide 28 percent of your daily selenium requirement. Do not rely entirely on the whites of eggs, though, as most of the selenium will be in the yolk, with just 9 micrograms contained within the whites of eggs. It is good, however, to be able to obtain some selenium from the white of eggs if you are watching your cholesterol intake.

So, hopefully, discussing some of the lesser-known minerals that we ingest through diet, supplements, or both will have given us a greater understanding of how important all minerals are and just how our body needs every single one of them to function efficiently and healthily. Like balancing a diet with exercise, we are also balancing our diet.