‘what are minerals?’

What are Minerals? (II)

Saturday, February 13th, 2010

Is it necessary to take mineral supplements?

In general, no it is not necessary if our complete and varied diet is mainly rich in fruits, vegetables and whole grains. Thus all our mineral requirements are covered but there may be special cases of deficiency that results in an extra dose supplementation or (recommended by a specialist) as in the case of iron deficiency anemia, osteoporosis and calcium deficiency magnesium, iodine in thyroid diseases, diabetes chromium or zinc in immune problems.

General functions of minerals

* Bone and dental structure.
* Regulation of water balance, acid-base and osmotic pressure.
* Nerve excitability, muscle contraction, transport …
* Immune system, cell growth. (more…)

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What are Minerals? (I)

Thursday, February 11th, 2010

Minerals are inorganic micronutrients the body needs in very small quantities or doses, among all minerals add a few grams but are as important as vitamins, and without them our bodies could not carry out the comprehensive metabolic functions we perform daily, the hormone synthesis or processing of the tissue.

Constitute only five percent of body mass and of the 28 existing only a dozen is considered essential, according to their amount or dose required divided into two groups:

* The macro: whose needs exceed 100 mg daily calcium, magnesium, potassium, sodium, chlorine, sulfur and phosphorus. The functions of these minerals are linked to bone formation, regulation of body fluids and digestive secretions.

* The micro or trace elements: whose needs are less than 100 mg daily. Within this group of minerals, the most important are iron, zinc, selenium, copper, iodine, manganese and chromium. Its functions are related to biochemical reactions, we protect against disease, help reduce fatigue and achieve better mental and physical condition. (more…)

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