A varied and balanced diet provides all the essential minerals you need. Only trace amounts of some minerals are required. Here are eight important trace minerals that should be included in your diet.
October 9, 2015
A varied and balanced diet provides all the essential minerals you need. Only trace amounts of some minerals are required. Here are eight important trace minerals that should be included in your diet.
Insulin and chromium appear to act together to metabolize glucose, the body's major fuel.
Copper is essential for making red blood cells, skin pigment, connective tissue and nerve fibres; it also stimulates absorption of iron.
This mineral is necessary to make thyroid hormones.
75 percent of the body's iron is in hemoglobin, the pigment in red blood cells that carries oxygen.
An important antioxidant, selenium interacts with vitamin E to prevent the free radicals produced during oxygen metabolism from damaging body fat and other tissues.
Zinc is necessary for some metabolic processes, normal growth and sexual development and proper immune system function. It's also needed to make genetic materials and for proper wound healing.
Along with sodium, potassium helps regulate the body's balance of fluids. Potassium is instrumental in the transmission of nerve impulses, proper muscle function and maintaining normal blood pressure.
Sodium is largely responsible for determining the body's total water content. Like potassium, sodium ions help regulate nerves and muscles. These two electrolytes maintain the fluid balance inside and outside of body cells. Sodium maintains the acid-base balance, sends nerve impulses and helps muscle contraction.
These trace minerals have an important role and contribute to your overall health. Keep this guide in mind and avoid mineral deficiencies by eating foods that offer these trace minerals.
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