Understanding the Importance of Essential and Trace Minerals

As the world's most valuable metals, gold, silver, and platinum receive a lot of attention. But did you know that you also consume these metals through plants?

Metals and minerals are beneficial to human health when consumed in the right way. Some of them are so vital that we can't imagine life without them. You may even find these in the mineral drinks you see at the drugstore.

These metals and minerals exist in the body in a delicate balance. Having too little or too much may upset this delicate balance and cause health issues. 

This article will run you through everything you need to know about essential metals and minerals.

What Do Essential Metals Do?

Many metals are necessary for the human body’s growth, repair, and daily functioning. We use them for a variety of functions at the cellular level. We cannot synthesize these components and must absorb them through our diet.

These metals play a variety of essential roles, such as:

• Calcium is necessary for bone and teeth health and activating enzymes in the body.
• Copper assists with metabolism, creating red blood cells and regulating neurotransmitters.
• Iron is vital for hemoglobin production, which carries oxygen in the red blood cells.
• Magnesium regulates blood pressure, blood sugar, and nerve function and helps with calcium absorption.
• Manganese helps metabolize amino acids, cholesterol, and carbohydrates.
• Potassium balances fluids in the body, regulates the heartbeat, and controls muscle contraction.
• Zinc is crucial for blood clotting and DNA production.

Understanding Trace Minerals

Trace minerals, also known as micro minerals, are necessary elements that the human body must obtain from a healthy diet. However, humans only require a minimal quantity compared to macronutrients. 

Even though trace minerals are only required in small amounts, they are essential for our health and growth. For most trace minerals, a daily dose of 0.2 to 15 milligrams is suggested.

Some common trace minerals include:

• Chromium for glucose regulation
• Fluoride for bone and teeth formation
• Molybdenum iodine for metabolism, growth, and development hormones
• Selenium for antioxidants against cell damage

Where Do You Get These Minerals?

The body does not produce vital minerals. They are obtained from the food we eat. Minerals originate from rocks, soil, and water. Plants absorb them as they grow and develop. Animals that consume these plants also absorb these minerals.  

Fresh foods aren't our sole source of essential minerals. Minerals may be added to some manufactured meals, such as morning cereal. And you'll find a plethora of mineral supplements in the form of capsules, powders, and chewables if you go to any drugstore or browse online.

You're likely getting all the beneficial minerals you need if you eat a nutritious diet that contains a range of vegetables, legumes, fruits, whole grains, lean protein, dairy products, and unsaturated fats like olive oil. 

However, some minerals like calcium, iron, magnesium, and potassium are harder to obtain in the right amounts. These can cause health conditions like iron deficiency anemia, high blood pressure, fragile bones, etc. 

Your doctor may recommend chewable supplements or liquid mineral supplements to aid in these deficiencies.

Conclusion

Vital minerals are necessary for proper growth and development. They are also important for maintaining ideal body functions. We hope this article has shed some light on the importance of these minerals.

Are you looking formineral products in Springville? Organa International has a wide collection of mineral drinks, drops, powders, and gels. Check out our collection today.