Mineral and Water Function

Mineral and Water Function

SCI 241

October 12, 2012

Minerals are the spark plugs of life, the tool required to activate thousands of enzyme reactions within the body. Whereas plants manufacture vitamins, minerals are obtained from the soil. We depend on the body's ability to utilize minerals because minerals activate enzymes. Minerals work in balance with one another as well as with the metabolism of proteins, carbohydrates, fats, and vitamins. When one mineral is excessive, it steals from others, thereby causing a chain-reaction of deficiencies (Alternative Medicine, 2012).

We know that it is important to provide ourselves with mineral nutrients but few really understand the reasons why. Although vitamins and minerals are very different, it is essential that our bodies receive both. All vitamins contain carbon so are considered to be organic substances. Minerals on the other hand do not contain carbon and are therefore classified as inorganic. There are two categories of minerals which are major minerals and trace minerals. Inside the body, vitamins and minerals play many important roles. Whereas the body can continue to function without getting the recommended daily allotments of some vitamins, a mineral deficiency can lead to death.

In order to make the hemoglobin found in red blood cells, the body needs iron. In order to build strong teeth and bones, the body needs calcium. Calcium is also crucial for the proper functioning of the kidneys, muscles, and nerves. Without adequate levels of Iodine, the thyroid gland cannot perform its most important task which is to produce energy. Magnesium, selenium, and zinc are antioxidants and some of their responsibilities include helping to heal wounds, helping the skeletal system develop properly, and protecting cell membranes. Chromium helps keep arteries clear.

Minerals come from the ground, making their way into the body by way of the foods that grow from the ground and the animals that survive off the land. Fruits, vegetables, lean meats, poultry, dairy products, grains, legumes are some of are the primary sources of the minerals bodies need to survive (Healthy Living Answers, 2012). We often think of red meats as good sources of minerals. They are, but some healthy foods, such as sweet potatoes, salmon and pumpkin seeds have higher concentrations of vitamins and minerals, with less fat, cholesterol, and calories. Low-fat dairy products also represent better sources of good nutrition than high-fat meats. That is the balance that health officials at the U.S. Department of Agriculture encourage us to have in our diets. Increasing and monitoring intake of potassium, magnesium, and calcium, along with making sure to get adequate essential minerals, such as sodium, chloride, iron, and zinc. Many healthy foods contain high