Essential Minerals Needed by the Body

Minerals are essential because they enable digestive enzymes to exist and function in the body. Additionally, minerals are organizers of the molecular structure of the cell and its membrane. There are fourteen trace minerals necessary for survival:

• Calcium
• Chromium
• Iron
• Copper
• Fluorine
• Manganese
• Selenium
• Zinc

Calcium

Vital for building strong bones and teeth. The time to build strong bones is during childhood and the teen years, so it's very important to get enough calcium now to fight against bone loss later in life and avoiding a condition called osteoporosis, which causes bones to break easily. Found in:

• Milk and dairy products
• Broccoli
• Dark green, leafy vegetables
• Soy foods

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Iron

Iron helps red blood cells carry oxygen to all parts of the body. Symptoms of low iron anemia include weakness and fatigue, lightheadedness, and shortness of breath. Found in:

• Red meat
• Pork
• Poultry
• Seafood
• Lentils
• Beans
• Soy foods
• Green leafy vegetables
• Raisins

Girls need higher amounts because they lose iron through blood during menstruation.

Chromium

Necessary for the maintenance of normal blood sugar levels. Chromium works with insulin in assisting cells to take in glucose and release energy. Present in:

• Meats
• Fats
• Vegetable oils

Chromium Picolinate has not been shown early evidence of possibly helping in weight loss due to its effectiveness at improving insulin's ability to break down glucose.

Copper

Needed for the production of red blood cells and the formation of connective tissues. Also plays a major role in the defence against free radicals. Found in: , seafood, nuts, and seeds.

• Meats
• Seafood
• Nuts
• Seeds

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Fluorine

Maintains the structure of teeth. Taken regularly, Fluorine will help protect teeth from acidic decay. Found in:

• Water
• Seafood
• Meats
• Livers of various animals

Manganese

Activator of many enzymes. Manganese is very closely related to the synthesis of DNA, RNA, and protein. Found in:

• Whole grains
• Cereals
• Fruits
• Vegetables

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Selenium

Important in protecting lipids of cell membranes (cell walls are made up of a lipid (fat) layer), proteins, and nucleic acids against oxidant damage. Found in:

• Meats
• Green Vegetables
• Egg yolk
• Garlic
• Liver
• Milk
• Garlic
• Mushrooms
• Onions
• Seafood

Zinc

Represents a tiny percent of the human body, but is essential for synthesis of protein, DNA and RNA. It is required for growth in all stages of life. Found in:

• Seafood
• Milk
• Egg yolk