Every
living cell on this planet depends on minerals for proper function
and structure. Our bodies use minerals for: the correct combination
of body fluids, the formation of blood and bone, the maintenance of
healthy nerves, good muscle tone, maintaining a healthy cardiovascular
system, and other important body functions. Our bodies must maintain
its proper chemical balance. This balance depends on the correct levels
of different minerals. The amount of one mineral in the body affects
every other mineral. If one is out of balance, all mineral levels
are affected.
Minerals are naturally occurring elements found in nature. They
usually start as rock formations that slowly break down into tiny
fragments by erosion. Then, microbes in the soil utilize these tiny
crystals of mineral salts, and convert them to a more usable form.
This usable form is then absorbed by the plant roots, and are then
passed on to the plants that we eat. The cow gets its calcium from
the grass that it eats, not the milk it drinks.
Minerals are divided into two groups: macro-minerals and micro-minerals.
The macro-minerals are needed in larger amounts, while micro-minerals
are only needed in small amounts. The macro-minerals consist of:
calcium, magnesium, sodium, potassium, and phosphorus. The micro-minerals
consists of: boron, chromium, copper, germanium, iodine, iron, manganese,
molybdenum, selenium, silicon, sulfur, vanadium, and zinc.
We provided you with the following information for the main minerals.
- Description: The activity of the mineral
- Complimentary Nutrients: a list of nutrients
that help the minerals do their work
- Antagonists: things that prevent the mineral
from working properly
- Health Benefits: specific health benefits the
mineral provides
- Therapeutic Uses: aliments that can be cured
by the mineral
- Deficiency Indicators: symptoms that indicate
a lack of the mineral
- Dosage: the daily amount of the mineral to
take
- Sources: foods that provide the mineral
