Minerals are inorganic compounds that occur naturally within the soil and are vital to human health. However, conventional medicine still underestimates the dangers of mineral deficiencies in the body. Many of these same minerals are necessary for proper plant growth, too. Minerals are so important to our health because they activate many enzyme reactions and are not made in the body so they must be obtained from plants grown in soils where the minerals are present. Enzymes are a type of organic substances in the body that act like catalysts that control chemical reactions and are absolutely necessary to controlling metabolism, energy production, and digestion, etc. The first type of minerals called macro-minerals are oxygen, hydrogen, nitrogen, and carbon that function in making tissues and biochemicals. The other kind of minerals called trace minerals are needed daily in small amounts from plants grown in soils where there present such as magnesium, zinc, selenium, calcium, and chromium.
- Magnesium is required in the synthesis of carbs, lipids, and some antioxidants and cell signaling. Signs of deficiency can be inflammation, fatigue, weakness, heart problems, and digestive issues. Its been shown that magnesium may help reduce glucose levels in Type 2 Diabetics.
- Selenium acts as catalyst for a type of selenium-dependent enzyme called selenoproteins that plays a role in the amino acid sequence. Plants don't really use selenium, but it can be found in their sulfur compound. This mineral functions as a antioxidant, anti-tumor, and immune protector. Selenium along with some nutrients may prevent recurrent viral infections.
- Molybdenum is another important mineral that help process carbon and nitrogen both in the human body and environment. Signs of deficiency are rare but they may include rapid heart rates and night blindness.
- Iodine is absolutely necessary to proper thyroid function and a deficiency of it can lead to impaired mental function and goiter.
- Zinc plays a role nearly a hundred different enzymes that carry out activities like metabolism, neurological function, and immunity. Some signs of deficiency are impaired growth, skin issues, impaired immune and healing, and behavioral issues. A zinc deficiency may further the complications of some chronic diseases.
As you can see minerals are important to maintaining good health, but where are we to find them? Thankfully, theres many food sources that contain these vital inorganic substances.
- Meat stock: broth made from the simmered bones of chicken, duck, and beef.
- Plants grown in soils where trace minerals are present such as organic or biodynamic farming that recycles soil without stripping it away, which often leads to nutrient depletion of the soil.
- Iodine can be found in small amounts in sea salt as the ocean contains most of the world's iodine, though kelp granules (or sea vegetables) are an even better source.
- Herbs grown in soil containing plentiful minerals such as parsley, chives, sage, basil, fennel, and cilantro.
- Consume grass-fed meat from animals raised on mineral-rich plants.
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