What are Benefits and Medicinal uses of Minerals?

Minerals

                    The macro elements like calcium, phosphorous, iron, iodine, manganese, chromium, vanadium, molybdenum, copper and zinc give us a marvelous compound in which some elements help others maintain adequate nutritional conditions for the body. Marine sediments (kelp) are naturally rich in all of these minerals.

                    Minerals together with vitamins play a direct role in the functions of growth, development and maintenance of the body. However, vitamins help the organs and systems carry out their functions. These help to create an environment where vitamins are able to do their job. Both are necessary and one cannot function without the other.

CALCIUM (RDA: 800 – 1400 mg)

1.                  There is more calcium in our body than any other mineral.

2.      Calcium together with phosphorous keep the bones and teeth healthy. Calcium and magnesium are important in making sure the cardiovascular system works properly.

3.      To be sure that calcium is absorbed, there needs to be a sufficient amount of vitamin D in the body.

4.      Deficiency of calcium promotes rickets and osteoporosis (brittle bones).

5.      The required dosage increases with age : 800 mg for a young person ; 1400 mg in an adult. This amount may be increased if rickets, osteoporosis etc is present.

Food sources containing calcium:

        Milk, cheese, molasses, yogurt, dolomite, almonds and spirulina.

PHOSPHOROUS (RDA: 800-1200 mg)

        It is an element that requires the presence of vitamin D and calcium to function properly.

         It is useful for the nervous system, brain, bones, teeth and in general for the whole physiological process.

Food sources containing phosphorous:

        Eggs, fish, grains, poultry, cheese, milk, yogurt etc.

Iron (RDA: 10 mg Men; 18 mg Women)

1.          Iron is essential for the production of hemoglobin in the blood. It needs Vitamin C, copper and manganese to be present so that it can be assimilated by the body.

2.                          It helps growth, prevents fatigue, prevents and cures anaemia. Women consume almost double the iron men do. A pregnant or nursing woman requires more: 30 to 60 mg.

Food sources containing iron:

        Molasses, eggs, fish, poultry, wheat germ, crushed wheat

Magnesium (RDA: 350 MG Men; 300 mg Women)

1.                                          Magnesium is indispensable as a supplement in the metabolism of calcium and vitamin – C as well as phosphorous, sodium and potassium.

2                 It is essential for proper nerve and muscle function, effectively helping against stress and depression. Combined with calcium, it is effective as a natural tranquilizer.

4.              It is vital in the metabolic process to convert blood sugar into energy and helps to prevent heart attacks.

Food sources containing Magnesium:

            Alfalfa, apples, figs, limes, yellow corn, almonds, bee pollen, garlic, wheat, rice, kelp etc.

Manganese (RDA: Estimated from 2-2.5 mg)

1.                                          It helps to process vitamins C & B. It is necessary in the digestive process and in the functioning of the nervous system.

3.                It also helps to eliminate fatigue, improve memory and reduce nervous irritability in people.

Food sources containing Manganese:

                Bananas, bran, celery, cereals, egg, yolk, leafy green vegetables, legumes, liver, pineapple, whole grains etc.

Iodine (RDA: 150 mcg):

1.                                          66% of Iodine is found in the thyroid gland. This gland controls the body’s metabolism and gives the body its energy. When this gland does not function properly, it can cause obesity or a lack of weight. Iodine plays a role in the development of hair, fingernails, skin and teeth.

3.      Iodine is mainly found in the thyroid glands and is an indispensable element for body metabolism. Without it, a person gains weight and is fatigued. On the other hand, with hyperthyroid, a person loses weight and is hyperactive.

Food sources containing Iodine:

        Shellfish, iodised salt, marine sediments.The micro elements and trace minerals  are minerals that exist in very small quantities in the body but never the less play a very important role in cellular and nervous functions.

Within these elements, you find:

Copper

            Copper, necessary to convert iron into hemoglobin. It also helps to prevent anemia and to promote mental and emotional stability.

Found in

            Legumes, nuts, shellfish, raisins, molasses, Brazil nuts, soybeans.

Zinc (RDA:15 mg)

                 Zinc is essential in the synthesis of proteins, acting in the muscles and reproductive organs. It helps in the healing process, in infertility, in prostate problems and in lowering cholesterol.  It intervenes in the production of insulin and to maintain the body’s pH balance.

Found in:

              Soybeans, spinach, sunflower seeds, mushrooms.

Vanadium:

               Vanadium inhibits the formation of cholesterol in the arteries. It helps in the prevention of heart attacks.

Found in:

                Bee pollen.

Selenium (RDA: 50 to 200 mcg is suggested):

                Selenium is an important element for health. Above all, as an anti-oxidant together with vitamin E.

Found in:

                Whole grains, cereals, fish, Brazilian nuts.

Molybdenum (RDA: 150 mcg is suggested):

                It is important mineral for the metabolism of some nutrients. It helps combat anemia.

Found in:

                Grains, green leafy vegetables, legumes.

Cobalt:

                It is an integral component of vitamin B12 necessary for the normal functioning of red blood cells as well as other cells. It helps the circulatory system.

Found in:

                Peaches, chamomile, garlic, wheat, barley.

Fluorine:

                Fluorine straightens teeth and bones, protects against infections, prevents depression and the formation of ulcers.

Found in:

                Alfalfa, almonds, avocado, cauliflower, carrots, dates, garlic, nuts, whole rice, spinach, tomato, wheat.

Silicon:

                Silicon helps fortify bones and teeth and in the elasticity of tendons; increases energy and resistance.

Found in:

                Alfalfa, almonds, apples, banana, bee pollen, carrots, cauliflower, cherries, corn, spiritual, lettuce, onions, spinach, tomato, melons, wheat, barley germ.

Sodium:

                Sodium neutralizes acid and activates body fluids and organs. It is an important component for muscle and nerve functions as well as for the proper functioning of the liver, pancreas and gall bladder.

Found in:

                Alfalfa, apples, bee pollen, broccoli, lentils, onions, strawberries, melons, wheat and wheat germ.

Sulphur:
    

                It helps to combat bacterial infections. It is an important element for nerves, brain and liver. It participates in the whole vital process of the body.

Found in:

                Alfalfa, spinach, avocado, bee pollen, carrots, garlic, corn, kelp, onions, potatoes, thyme, wheat, barley germ.

Chromium:

                                  It is a mineral which acts directly on cell metabolism. As a consequence, it is absolutely essential in order for insulin to function.

     If used properly, it can dramatically help to form muscles and reduce fat.  It significantly contributes to the reduction of cholesterol and to control the metabolism of blood sugar. It increases energy.