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Mineral Supplements and Their Role in Health and Fitness.

By: Jaks Lloyd

There are two categories of minerals required by the human body.

Both categories play a part in building bones, teeth, cells and enzymes, regulating the balances of bodily fluids and nerve responses, delivering oxygen to cells and removing carbon dioxide.

The Major Minerals.

These are calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, sodium, sulphur, and chlorides and they all are needed in larger amounts of more than 250 milligrams each day.

The Trace Minerals.

Copper, chromium, fluoride, iodine, iron, manganese, molybdenum, selenium, and zinc. These minerals although essential to maintaining the efficiency of the body are only required in small amounts of less than 20 milligrams per day. As most people today do not have diets that regularly provide a sufficient and balanced amount of vitamins and minerals needed by the body, the correct supplements can make up the shortfall to help keep us in trim.

Just remember that the body has many other requirements for health and to keep disease at bay, such as fibre for digestion, anti oxidants and not to forget protein, carbohydrates and fats so do not be too tempted to rely on supplements.

A good balanced diet will still be important.

Unless otherwise recommended by a qualified medical practitioner a reliable multivitamin/mineral supplement that provides a balance 100% of each days requirement (%DV) of all the minerals and vitamins should be taken with the exception of calcium which should be taken separately otherwise the tablets would be too large.

Do not be tempted too go for supplements with a higher than 100%DV for one or more of the minerals or vitamins as this can lead to an adverse effect.

In the U.S. look out for the U.S. Pharmacopeia (USP) on the label indicating that the product meets their standards.

In most other countries there will be an identification to indicate that acceptable standards have been complied with. Read the labels, stick to the recommended dose, comply with the storage advice and the expiration dates and don't forget to keep out of reach of children. Keeping fit is the path to health, wealth and happiness. Addendum.

This is an example of the importance to the body of just one trace mineral: - Copper.

Although the body requires only very small amounts of copper, it plays an important role in many of our essential functions.

Traces of copper are found in peas beans and other pulses, artichokes, bananas mushrooms, nuts tomatoes, potatoes, and in slightly larger amounts in liver and oysters.

As it is unlikely that substantial amounts of these healthy foods are going to feature in most people's daily diet it would not be unexpected that the body's daily requirement of copper is not being met.

The body uses copper to produce certain enzymes and antioxidants, proteins such as collagen, which is vital in building bones, skin and connective nerve and other tissue.

It is involved in red blood cell production, the immune system, fertility and the production of melanin, found in the hair, skin and eyes.

A deficiency of copper may be linked to osteoporosis, increased risk of heart disease and cancer.

There are two categories of minerals required by the human body. Both categories play a part in building bones, teeth, cells and enzymes, regulating the balances of bodily fluids and nerve responses, delivering oxygen to cells and removing carbon dioxide.

Jaks Lloyd is a former photographic fashion model. She now lives in Spain and indulges her creative talents by writing and building innovative authority websites. http://www.hotexercise.com

Article Source: http://www.positivearticles.com. PositiveArticles.Com does not vouch for or necessarily endorse the contents of this article.


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