“Minerals, minerals
Vitamins and minerals
These are the body’s peripherals!”
Below, a checklist of your other important minerals, their sources, and how much you need of each. Take care of your body. Be healthy!
Sodium, potassium, and chlorine
These three minerals work closely together in the body. For example, chlorine is used largely in combination with sodium as sodium chloride (ordinary salt: NaCl), which occurs in all body cells and fluids. Chlorine also helps to form hydrochloric acid, and is an important factor in digestion. Sodium and potassium regulate the water retention of the body.
A deficiency of this mineral can cause dehydration, low blood pressure, vomiting, thirst, and in extreme cases, drowsiness or coma. You can find sodium in common salt, baking powder, smoked fish, milk, and bakery products. Potassium is found in fresh fruits and vegetables, potatoes, chicken, meat, prunes, and milk.
Sulfur
Sulfur is contained in insulin, a hormone that is produced by the pancreas which controls carbohydrate metabolism. It is also found in one of the important minerals, thiamine (vitamin B1). Most of our sulphur is obtained from animal and vegetable protein foods and dairy products.
Iodine
Iodine plays an essential role in the proper functioning of the thyroid gland. It usually stays in thyroxine, the thyroid hormone that stimulates the oxygen consumption of body tissues. It is also found in small quantities in other regions of the body.
A deficiency in iodine can cause goiter, fatigue, and increased weight. Its excess can cause thyroid disease. Iodine is richly present in the ocean, which explains why sea foods are a rich source of it. The soil also contains iodine, ergo, vegetables are another sources of it.
Fluorine
Fluorine is found in bones and teeth, with the greatest concentration in tooth enamel. It makes teeth resistant to decay. A deficiency in fluorine can cause caries, osteoporosis, tooth discoloration and the increased density of bones in the spine. A major source of fluorine is fluoridated tap water, toothpaste, China tea, and fish bones.
Manganese
Manganese is known to be essential for rats and chickens; but it may be needed by man, too. A deficiency in manganese is very rare, but it may cause decreased growth rate or sometimes, deformities. The mineral is found in many natural foods like wholegrain cereals, nuts and tea.
Certain organic substances, called trace elements, are also minerals. They exist in the body in very small amounts. Some of them are cobalt, nickel, molybdenum, zinc, and aluminium. Trace elements are widely distributed in foods, so anyone who follows a normal diet is bound to have a supply of them.
How much of these minerals do we need? It depends on your age and circumstance of age needs. Generally, children require lesser minerals than adults, but growing children under 17 years of age need more iron then men, while women who are pregnant and nursing mothers will require more iron and calcium than usual.
Bottom line: stay conscious of your daily intake of these magical minerals!
