Five Important Trace Minerals for Your Health

Vitamins and minerals are essential for our health. Trace minerals are those which our body needs in very small amounts. Even though the requirements of these minerals are very little but they are extremely important for our body to work properly. Without these trace minerals body cannot function the way it should and lack of these can cause various diseases. Therefore, we can say – in absence of adequate trace minerals, our body is unable to perform its proper function.

We can get trace minerals from the food we eat. A well balanced diet should be enough to have adequate amounts of important trace minerals.

Here we’ll look at some of the most important trace minerals which our body needs for its growth and development.

Iron: Iron is an extremely important trace mineral for the immune system. It is also important for the production of haemoglobin and very essential for the anaemic. Iron promotes healthy skin and prevents fatigue and tiredness. Major Food Sources of Iron – Soybeans, Lentils, Spinach, Kidney Beans & Venison.

Manganese: It is extremely important for bone structure and bone metabolism. It is also an antioxidant and fights free radicals. It helps to break down fats and cholesterol. It also maintains good blood sugar levels. Major Food Sources of Manganese – Brown Rice, Spinach, Oats, Dried Cloves, Pineapple & Dried Thyme.

Sodium: It is required to maintain body’s water and pH levels. Sodium is important for healthy muscles and nerves. Sodium is also important for brain and heart functions. Excess sodium and sodium deficiency, both are bad for the health and can lead to various diseases. Major Food Sources of Sodium – Salt, Anchovies, Butter, Processed Meats & Yeast Extracts.

Potassium: Potassium is good for the heart. It controls blood pressure and maintains regular heartbeat. Potassium works with sodium to maintain fluid balance in the body. It is good for the kidney and helps lungs to get rid of carbon dioxide. Major Food Sources of Potassium – Banana, Dates, Dried Fruits, Milk and Nuts & Seeds.

Chromium: It is very essential for diabetics and heart patients. It lowers LDL and increases HDL. It stabilizes blood sugar levels as well. It is helpful in the metabolization of carbohydrates, proteins and fats. Major Food Sources of Chromium – Brewer's Yeast, Egg Yolks, Red Meat, Onions and Ripe Tomato.

Only minute portions of trace minerals are required to keep the body healthy. Trace minerals are essential for many important health functions such as oxygen transport, energy metabolism, growth, and cell and nerve protection. One should not underestimate the importance of trace minerals. These can easily be available from our daily diet and there shouldn’t be any need for supplements in normal conditions. But in case you need any supplements, you should consult your doctor prior taking any supplements.