Minerals are the inorganic substance
that occurs naturally in rocks and in the ground and has its own characteristic
appearance and chemical composition. The three main functions of minerals are
as constituents of the skeleton, as soluble salts which help control the
composition of the body fluids, and as essential adjuncts to the action of many
enzymes and other proteins. There are many different types of minerals such as
calcium, magnesium, potassium, selenium, zinc, and chromium picolinate.
Calcium
Calcium is a major mineral
essential for healthy and strong bones and teeth. It is also ensures the proper
functioning of muscles and nerves and even helps your blood clot. It is of very
much importance for the growing children.
The sources of calcium are
milk, cheese, eggs, dairy products, fruits, green vegetables, almonds, seaweeds
(such as kelp, wakame and hijiki), nuts, beans and pulses, breads and fish.
The deficiency of calcium can
affect bone and teeth formation, while its excess can lead to kidney stones.
Magnesium
Magnesium is an important
mineral that helps the body to maintain muscles, nerves, and bones. It is also
used in heart rhythm, energy metabolism and protein synthesis.
The major sources of
magnesium are spinach, nuts, seeds, whole grains, water, fruits and vegetables.
The deficiency of magnesium
can cause sensitiveness to noise, nervousness, irritability, mental depression,
confusion, twitching, trembling, apprehension, insomnia, muscle weakness and
cramps in the toes, feet, legs, or fingers.
Potassium
Potassium is a mineral that
serves as an electrolyte and is involved in the balance of fluid within the
body. It is important in controlling the activity of the heart, muscles,
nervous system and just about every cell in the body. It regulates the water
balance and acid-base balance in the blood and tissues. Our bodies contain more
than twice as much potassium as sodium (typically nine ounces versus four
ounces).
The major sources of
potassium are bananas and orange juice. Some other sources include breads,
cereals and other grain products.
The deficiency of potassium
can cause your muscles not to work properly and you will feel weak. The excess
of potassium can cause an irregular heart beat.
Selenium
Selenium is an
essential mineral that functions largely in the form of proteins, called seleno-proteins,
which act as enzymes and help prevent damage to cells in the body by oxidants
in the environment or those produced by normal metabolism.
The sources of
selenium are seafood, some meats (such as kidney and liver), and some grains
and seeds.
The deficiency
of selenium causes “Keshan” disease, a fatal form of cardiomyopathy (heart
muscle disease). While its excess can cause reversible balding and brittle
nails, give a garlic odor to the breath, and cause intestinal distress,
weakness and slowed mental functioning.
Zinc
Zinc is an essential mineral
essential which is involved in the manufacture of protein and in cell division.
It is also a constituent of insulin, and is concerned with the sense of smell.
The sources of zinc are
eggs, cereal grains, meat, liver, seafood and nuts.
The deficiency of zinc can
cause short stature, anemia, increased pigmentation of skin, enlarged liver and
spleen (hepatosplenomegaly), impaired gonadal function, impaired wound healing,
and immune deficiency. The excess of zinc can cause gastrointestinal irritation
(upset stomach) and cause copper deficiency.
Chromium Picolinate
Chromium picolinate is an
essential mineral which plays a vital role in processing carbohydrates and
fats. It also works with insulin (a hormone, produced in the pancreas) in
assisting cells to take in glucose and release energy; that makes blood sugar
available to the cells as our basic fuel.
The sources of chromium are
meats, whole grains, fruits, vegetables, fats and vegetable oils.
The deficiency of chromium
can cause anxiety, fatigue, glucose intolerance (particularly in people with
diabetes), inadequate metabolism of amino acids, and an increased risk of
arteriosclerosis.
No comments:
Post a Comment