The human system needs certain amounts of specific nutrients in order to perform various biological processes to sustain life and facilitate growth and development of cells and tissues. These nutrients include the macronutrients such as carbohydrates, fats and proteins. Another subcategory of these needed nutrients is the vitamins and minerals. Furthermore, minerals also have two kinds, the macrominerals and the trace minerals.

The former is required by the body in higher amounts, approximately 100 mg or higher, and includes calcium, phosphorus, sulfur, chloride, magnesium, sodium and potassium. On the other hand, the latter which is needed in little amounts about 20 mg or less consists of iron, manganese, selenium, fluoride, zinc, cobalt, copper and iodine. In this article, we will be focusing on the trace minerals and why are these important to all of us.

Trace minerals are necessary for proper cellular metabolism, for a healthy immune system and for energy production. In addition, some of these trace minerals are also important so that the other nutrients, especially the larger molecules, will be well absorbed and utilized by the body. These are the benefits of trace minerals:

1. Iron. It is the mineral found among red blood cells which is responsible for transporting oxygen throughout the body. After the oxygen distribution, iron also facilitates in the utilization of oxygen at the cellular level because iron has the ability to change ionic charges. Heme iron from animal foods such as meat, fish and poultry is readily absorbed than non – heme iron found among plant foods. To maximize iron absorption, a glass of orange juice or an acidic gastric environment may help. On the other hand, milk and calcium products may interfere with absorption.

2. Zinc. It is required by almost 200 enzymes in the body. Zinc is involved in normal cellular growth, taste and smell senses, immune system function and carbohydrate metabolism. Zinc can be found in animal products, whole grains, legumes and eggs.

3. Iodine. This is important in the endocrine system. It is part of the hormone thyroxine which is produced by the thyroid gland. Thyroxine is needed in controlling growth and development, basal metabolic rate and body temperature. Seafood is the best source of iodine. In addition, water, dairy products and eggs may also contain small amounts of iodine.

4. Fluoride. This is important to maintain resistance of teeth from cavities and decay. The skeletal system is also dependent to this mineral for bone mineralization. The greatest source of this mineral is fluoridated water, tea and toothpaste. In addition, seafood and seaweeds are also reliable sources of iodine.

5. Selenium. It is necessary in antioxidant reactions. This mineral works with vitamin E to prevent damage to cell membranes from free radicals. Selenium is also involved with thyroid function. Whole grains, meat, seafood especially fish and poultry are the best sources of selenium.

6. Chromium. This mineral has an important role in carbohydrate metabolism. It is a component of Glucose Tolerance Factor which is needed in insulin reactions. This mineral is found in meats, poultry and eggs, seafood and fish.

You can find trace minerals at your local or internet vitamin store. Always choose name brands to ensure quality and purity of the trace minerals you buy for better health and wellness.

Author Bio: If you need a health boost, give trace minerals a try risk free at VitaNet ®, LLC Vitamin Store. http://vitanetonline.com/

Category: Wellness, Fitness and Diet
Keywords: Trace Minerals, Health Boost, Chromium, Selenium, Improve Your Health Naturally