Let's take a closer look at some of the minerals we need.Zinc is an essential element which regulates metabolizes process and production of energy. Zinc assists immune system for fighting off infections. It also promotes cell growth and hastens heal wounds, such as cuts. The deficient in zinc causes weight loss, diarrhea, immune dysfunction, delayed wound healing, skin problems, increased risk for infections.
Iron is a trace mineral, vital to the entire process of breathing. The main purpose of respiration is to produce biologic energy. The body needs iron to transport oxygen from our lungs to the rest of the body. Iron helps in the production of hemoglobin which carries oxygen in the blood throughout the body. It plays an essential role in the production of the body's white blood cells and in keeping activity of the immune system.
Iron deficiency causes anemia that is widespread among kids who live in the urban areas. These children are in a danger for developmental delays. In these areas infants up to 18 months of age are recommended to get an infant formula enriched with iron supplement. The iron deficiency can be caused by an ulcer, ulcerative colitis or colon cancer, while an overload of iron causes heart failure, coronary heart disease.
Magnesium is plays a key role in nerve conduction. In fact, every biological process, including output of cellular energy needs to get adequate amounts of magnesium in order to work properly. An excellent source of magnesium is chlorophyll contained in green vegetables, nuts, and unpolished grains. The magnesium deficiency causes heart diseases, hypertension, diabetes and other diseases.
It has been said that life is built upon phosphorus. Macro mineral phosphorus is essential to the process of bone mineralization and structural building of bone. Mineralization of bone relies on cell ability to actively transport phosphate. Both calcium and phosphorus are important for healthy bones.
Calcium helps build strong bones, healthy teeth for chomping on tasty food. In addition calcium is vital for the production of energy, blood coagulation and muscle contraction, maintenance of the immune system, nerve conduction and many other body functions.
Copper is needed by enzymes for metabolizing.
Iodine provides the thyroid gland in proper operating.
Potassium maintains smooth, skeletal, and cardiac muscles and nervous system proper operating. Together with sodium, this mineral helps regulating of the body's water levels. Potassium is also important in the maintenance of normal blood pressure, heart rhythm. Most fruit and vegetables contain potassium. Diet contained potassium protects against hypertension, cardiovascular disease and other degenerative diseases as well.
We need small but regular amounts of selenium for a healthy liver. It's also one of the body's antioxidants. A diet that includes a combination of meat, fish and nuts ensures an adequate intake of selenium.