The Ultimate Guide to Important Minerals

Every day in the shops we see various packages of food items, which list the supplements of various vitamins and minerals. Since we know more or less about vitamins, in this text we will focus on minerals. We will try to present you with the ultimate guide to important minerals. Of course, the list of these elements is quite long. We will single out only some of them. So, let’s see who are the super-heroes of our health.

Chromium 

This mineral is not considered essential, scientists prove that it is enough to take it in smaller quantities. However, it plays a very important role in insulin activity and breaking down sugar in our body. Excessive consumption of chromium can lead to kidney damage.

Take it by eating broccoli, cereals, grapefruit juice.

Copper

In addition to its important role in the formation of red blood cells, it is necessary for proper metabolism, immunity and the functioning of the nervous system. Insufficient amount of copper in the diet leads to anemia and weakening of bones.

Foods rich in this mineral are liver, oysters, walnuts, mushrooms.

Iodine

Is an important component of thyroid hormones, which maintains our basic metabolism. It also helps the function of nerves and muscles and contributes to the development of our body. Too little iodine leads to disorders of the mentioned thyroid gland, and even to the appearance of goiter. For this reason, iodine is added to all table salts (iodized with).

So, in order to contribute to the preservation of the mentioned functions, eat fish (tuna), shrimps, milk, baked potatoes.

Iron

A mineral that helps hemoglobin (a component of red blood cells) to transport oxygen to all cells of our body. It is extremely important in the production of amino acids and hormones. In other words, iron supports a number of vital functions. Since there is a lot of it in meat, we suggest vegetarians eat more fruits and vegetables, or even take supplements.

How to enter it? Foods rich in iron include meat (beef), oysters, lentils, prunes, cashews.

Magnesium

This macromineral helps with muscle contractions, blood clotting, regulating blood pressure, building healthy teeth and bones. Magnesium deficiency is very rare.

By the way, the foods that contain it are: bran, almonds, spinach, brown rice, bananas.

Potassium

Is an electrolyte that directly affects the heart, nervous system and muscle function. In addition, it regulates kidney function, which affects the regulation of blood pressure.

Potassium deficiency (occurs with dehydration) leads to exhaustion, weakness, muscle cramps and stomach upsets.

Where is it ? Consume plums, raisins, bananas, baked potatoes.

Conclusion

Of course, this was only a partial presentation of important minerals that, together with vitamins, contribute to the preservation of vital functions and general health.