Minerals and Elements
Ignorance about nutrition has caused until disease, suffering, and premature death. Less than 200 years ago, only major nutrients like fats, proteins, carbohydrates, and a few minerals like iron and calcium were understood to be essential for human nutrition. It was only about 100 years ago that scientists discovered the importance of vitamins and the importance of many trace minerals.
Unfortunately, during the very same period of time researchers were discovering the importance of these nutrients and other phytochemicals people were starting to get fewer of them as they started to consume more and more processed foods. These refined foods are lacking in many of the important nutrients needed for life, but they have become dietary staples in most western diets.
In this issue of Sunshine Sharing we’ll look at the importance of twelve minerals and elements that are essential to human health. Many of these are deficient in modern diets, resulting in unnecessary sickness and suffering. Research into the importance of these nutrients is ongoing and recommended daily allowances (RDAs) have not been established for some, while the RDAs for others are too low to support optimal health. Now, let’s discuss how you can increase your intake of these important nutrients to improve your health in this month’s Sunshine Sharing.
Why we Need Trace Minerals
Trace minerals include Boron, Chromium, Copper, Iodine, Lithium, Manganese, Molybdenum, Selenium, Silver, Sulfur, Vanadium, and Zinc, These trace minerals play an important part in our health.
- Boron helps our body process some of the major minerals.
- Chromium helps our blood maintain a healthy blood sugar.
- Copper helps keep the tissues in the body flexible.
- Iodine is more of an element which is needed for proper thyroid function. It is also beneficial for breast, uterus and prostate health.
- Lithium is beneficial for bipolar disorder.
- Manganese is involved in the metabolism of carbohydrates and protein as well keeping our connective tissue and joint health.
- Molybdenum helps to detox the liver and acts as an enzyme activator.
- Selenium helps prevent free radical damage and works well with Vitamin E to for heart health.
- Silver is an element and has an antimicrobial action.
- Sulfur helps reduce pain and inflammation.
- Vanadium helps our teeth and bones stay healthy.
- Zinc helps men’s health, our immune system and our hair and skin.
It is so important to eat good food so your body gets the minerals and nutrients it needs. Too many of us eat processed foods high in sugar and these foods affect our health. Keeping things as simple as possible and as close to what nature intended is a great place to start. Fruits, vegetables and whole grains are great sources of carbohydrates. These foods provide natural sugars that your body will process and digest slowly. They will also provide energy to your cells for an extended period. Artificial sugar sources don’t have these benefits and can cause a spike in your levels. Remember to focus on overall health. Eat good, sleep good, stay active. If you are interested in gaining health, check out our 13 week email program!