Vitamins And Minerals: Why Minerals Are A Vitamin's Best Friend

Why Minerals Are A Vitamin's Best Friend

By Health Editor

In this article, we discuss some of the basic minerals your body needs to be in proper working order ...

While much credit is often given to vitamins for keeping our bodies safe and healthy, minerals perform just as important of duties. Minerals are from the earth, and are not produced in plants or animals. The minerals are picked up from the soil in the plants we eat, and are also present in animals which eat these plants.

Below are some of the basic minerals your body needs to be in proper working order ...

Calcium

One of the most commonly known minerals, calcium helps your body to keep its bone structure strong. Calcium contributes to healthy teeth, as well as helping your body to metabolize iron. Also, one of calcium's lesser known qualities is the fact that it helps to maintain a normal heartbeat.

Iron

Another commonly discussed mineral, iron helps to carry oxygen throughout the body, providing cells with it and aiding the production of energy. Iron also helps to produce collagen, a substance that is used throughout the body. Iron is known to help the immune system function properly, warding off foreign entities.

Magnesium

This mineral is essential for maintaining the balance between alkalines and acids in your body. People who get the required levels of magnesium generally experience healthy functionality in nerves and muscles, as well as proper bone growth. Magnesium works in tandem with calcium, ensuring that calcium absorption is optimized. If you lack sufficient magnesium, muscle twitching, nervousness, and an abnormal heart beat may occur.

Phosphorous

Used in the body's bones, phosphorous helps the body perform many important processes. It helps to bond ATP, a type of energy in the body, making metabolism possible. Phosphorous can be found in many meats and dairy products.

Zinc

Zinc performs a host of functions for the body. Protein is synthesized by it, and the health of both reproductive organs and the immune system are positively affected by this mineral. Many people are zinc deficient. This can result in affected growth, skin health, the health of nerves, the functioning of the immune system and the body's natural ability to heal being hindered. Those who are cigarette smokers or excessive alcohol drinkers may have their body's ability to process zinc dissipate, leading to deficiency.

The above minerals encompass the essential minerals that our body requires. There are other trace minerals, such as chromium, iodine, and copper that can be used to benefit the body. While these trace minerals may be helpful, it is of utmost importance to get a healthy amount of the essential minerals. It is also important to note that you should not take more than your daily required value of iron. When ingested in large quantities, iron becomes toxic, and can cause some serious adverse health effects.

Supplements are available that not only help you get your daily dose of minerals - they provide for your vitamin consumption as well. If you cannot maintain a diet rich in these minerals, you may want to purchase one of these supplements. Be sure to look into reviews for any supplement before you purchase it; sometimes the contents are sub-par for human nutrition.

Next article: Is There A Difference Between Natural Or Synthetic Vitamins

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