Minerals

Micronutrients

Every living cell on this planet depends on minerals for proper function and structure. There are micromineral’s and trace minerals. Macro’s include calcium, magnesium, sodium, potassium and phosphorus. Trace include boron, chromium, copper, germanium, iodine, iron, manganese, molybdenum, selenium, silicon, sulfur, vanadium and zinc.

Calcium keeps our bones strong. The amino acid lysine is needed for calcium absorption. Food sources of lysine include cheese, eggs, fish, lima beans, milk, potatoes, red meat, soy products and brewers yeast.

If you are deficient in Vitamin D, it will be harder to absorb calcium. Iron and calcium don’t absorb as well when taken together.

Sources of calcium include:

• milk products
• leafy greens
• broccoli
• tofu
• sesame seeds
• tahini
• dried fruit

Chromium is a mineral needed for energy. It is vital in the synthesis of cholesterol, fats and protein’s. It also maintains stable blood sugar levels through proper insulin utilization and helpful for both people with diabetes and hypoglycemia. The average American diet is chromium deficient. *is an herb

Sources of Chromium are:

• brewers yeast
• brown rice
• cheese
• meat
• whole grains
• catnip*
• licorice*
• sarsaparilla*
• yarrow*

Copper aids in the formation of bone, hemoglobin, and red blood cells. It works in balance with zinc and C to form elastin, a skin protein. It is also needed for healthy nerves and joints. It helps with the immune system. We need copper for healthy nerves and joints.

Too much copper in the body, although rarely happens, can cause liver and kidney damage.

Sources of copper are:

• almonds
• avocados
• barley
• beans
• beets

Iodine is only needed in trace amounts but very important in metabolizing excess fat and is needed for development. It also is needed for a healthy thyroid gland and preventing goiter.

Up to a third of people worldwide are at risk of an iodine deficiency.

Sources of iodine are:

• dairy
• iodized salt
• seafood
• fish
• kelp
• asparagus
• garlic
• lima beans

Iron has an important job in the production of hemoglobin and the oxygenation of red blood cells. Iron is the mineral found in the largest amounts in the blood. Iron is required for a healthy immune system.

Without enough iron the body isn’t present, it leads to abnormally low levels of red blood cells. If your body doesn’t have enough hemoglobin, your tissues and muscles won’t get enough oxygen and will lead to anemia

Sources of iron are:

• eggs
• fish
• liver
• meat
• leafy green vegetables
• whole grain
• almonds
• avocados
• lentils
• pumpkins
• raisins
• rice

Potassium is needed for a healthy nervous system and a regular heart beat. It helps prevent stroke, and works with sodium for the body’s water balance. It helps to regulate muscle contractions and nerve signals.

Sources of potassium are:

• dairy
• fish
• fruit
• legumes
• meat
• apricots
• avocados
• bananas
• dates
• garlic

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