Minerals
Minerals are referred to as "ashes." When all the other nutrients are oxidized (broken down), the end results are hydrogen and oxygen that dissipate into the air. The remains are ashes - the minerals. Minerals play a big role in human living tissue, such as building bone structures, muscle contraction, building proteins, energy production and more. Calcium and Phosphorus for example are responsible for making strong bones and teeth. Sodium, Calcium and Potassium on the other hand are used to conduct electrical impulses along the nerves. They are also responsible in transporting substances in and out of the cells. Minerals also play an important role in the blood and body fluids by maintaining the pH balance and normal blood pressure.Like all other nutrients, minerals are "cross-trained" to help each other do their important functions. However they can also work against each other. For example, Iron, Zinc, and Copper compete with each other when it comes to the absorption process. An excess intake of one of these minerals can decrease the chances of absorbing the other, thus leading to a certain deficiency. Individual needs also influence the absorption of minerals in such a way that a person who has a deficiency in certain minerals has a higher absorption rate than a person who is well nourished.
There are 22 essential minerals that are needed by the human body. They are divided into two categories:
- Major minerals (Calcium, Chloride, Magnesium, Phosphorus, Potassium, Sodium and Sulfur)
- Trace minerals (Chromium, Cobalt, Copper, Fluoride, Iodine, Iron, Manganese, Molybdenum, Nickel, Selenium, Silicon, Tin, Vanadium, Zinc)
These categories do not necessarily indicate the order of importance when it comes to staying healthy. A deficiency of either Major minerals or Trace minerals can cause health problems. It is however, important to know that minerals can also reach toxic levels when taken in excess. Again, a well-balanced meal will meet your RDA for minerals.
-- Ofelia B. Mutia, M.S.,R.D.,L.D.
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