Vitamins and minerals provide the necessary fuel for the human body. Without them, we would not be able to digest food, grow, gain muscle and even stay alive. Therefore it’s obviously vital that we intake as close as possible to the optimum amount of vitamins and minerals on a daily basis. This can be difficult to do through food alone, so there are nutritional health supplements which can assist in your daily intake.
There are two types of minerals that the body requires.
These are macro minerals and trace minerals. Trace minerals are needed in very small amounts and macro minerals are required in slightly larger quantities. Macro minerals include phosphorus, calcium, potassium and others whilst trace minerals are iron, copper, zinc, iodine and other minerals required only in trace amounts.
So which foods provide these minerals?
Calcium is one most people are familiar with. This can be gained from dairy products like milk, eggs, cheese and yogurt. But it is also available in salmon, leafy green vegetables and foods that have been fortified with calcium such as cereals and juices. Calcium is needed for strong and healthy teeth and bones.
Iron is a vital mineral for humans. We need it for blood health and without it we can become anemic and susceptible to blood diseases. Iron rich foods include red meat, tuna, eggs, beans, potato, broccoli and other leafy greens, whole grains and dried fruits. Iron helps to transport oxygen from the lungs to the body by forming hemoglobin (oxygen carrying cells).
Another very important mineral is potassium. This affects the muscles and the nervous system. Potassium helps with water balance which in turn works with the muscles and body tissues to keep them healthy. Potassium rich foods include bananas, citrus fruits, legumes, tomatoes and potatoes.
Zinc is not a mineral that may sound helpful but it is. It is needed by the immune system to help fight infections and zinc also assists with cell growth and rejuvenation. Meat such as lamb, beef and pork all contain zinc as do beans, lentils and peas. That is why vegetarians are encouraged to substitute meat with legumes.
Macro minerals and trace minerals may be small but they have very big consequences on the body. Without them we would not survive so it is vital to take enough in through your diet and also to supplement what you are missing out on with a good quality vitamin and mineral supplement like SeaAloe.
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