Minerals

Boron
Boron is believed be useful for reducing inflammation, helping to protect tissue and promoting firm healthy bones.
Boron is reported to play a vital role in the metabolism of carbohydrates, fats and calcium. It is also said that Boron is found in mineral water and in many different fruits and vegetables. It is believed to be a vital mineral to have especially for people with a weak bone density or those who may have difficulties in losing weight.

Calcium
Calcium is a vital mineral in the body, stored in the bones and teeth. Calcium is believed to be essential in formation of the skeleton. Together with frequent physical activity it is thought that a calcium rich diet will aid a firm skeleton that may last an entire lifetime.
To keep the bones building continuously it is said that we need a constant supply of calcium. If calcium deposits are depleting at a quick rate than are being rebuilt, over a long period of time, the bones may in turn become brittle which may result in suffering from osteoporosis, this is where bones may become fractured.
Osteoporosis tends to occur more commonly in women due to the lower oestrogen levels, which in turn ends in the osteoclasts becoming more active.
It is known that Calcium works along with the minerals, magnesium and boron. Vitamin D is also thought to be essential so calcium may be absorbed from food and to help deposit it into the bones.
Calcium is believed to be vital for children whose teeth are in the developing process. It has been stated that 99% of calcium inside the body is either stored in the teeth or bones. It is believed that the remaining 1% helps the muscles to contract and relax and to activate whilst blood clotting.
Signs of a deficiency in calcium are said to include, excessive tooth cavities, inexplicable muscle cramps, tension and suffering from sleeping problems. Nutrition and lifestyle may influence the bodies calcium balance. A rich- protein diet may cause a loss of calcium, whereas consuming high amounts of saturated fats may also reduce calcium availability. Calcium balance is also believed to depend on a healthy kidney function. Eating calcium is reported to be good for combating ageing. If a sufficient amount of daily calcium is not going into the body it has been recommended to consider supplementing with calcium or any other vitamin or mineral, to ensure that the body has this vital nutrient.

Chromium
Chromium has been related to a healthy cardiovascular system as it is believed to have a positive effect on the heart and cardiovascular systems.
It is believed that Chromium is required for stimulating glucose activity and helps the metabolism of sugar. Chromium is believed to be commonly found in egg yolks, wholegrains, nuts, seeds and asparagus. This is reported to be an essential mineral and is believed to be useful for people that may suffer from mood swings, dizziness, stress, common changes in energy levels and people that may sweat a lot.

Folic acid
Folic acid is a well known B vitamin, which is believed to fulfil a number of essential roles in sustaining good health.

What is folic acid?
It is also known as folate, folic acid is a part of the family of B vitamins. It works along side other B Vitamins in order to achieve its role.
Folic acids most essential role is believed to be in preventing the neural-tube defect, Spina Bifida in babies, which is the reason why women attempting to become pregnant have been recommended to take it.
Folic acid is believed to be important for the formation of DNA, so, it’s vital for everyday renewal and repair in adult life, as well as for baby growth. Folic acid is also believed to be essential for maintaining good heart and blood health. It is a vitamin that every one of us needs in decent amounts.
It is thought that Folic acid (along with vitamins B6 and B12) is used by the body to reduce the amount of homocysteine (an amino acid by product) in the blood.
If a diet features plenty of fresh vegetables, wholegrains and pulses, adequate amounts of folic acid may be reaching the body. Living on processed foods might mean missing out on this vitamin. It is believed that alcohol may interfere with the absorption of folic acid and the way it is used inside the body.

Iodine
Iodine is the major component of the hormone thyroxin. It is believed to be needed for sustaining normal metabolism in all cells of the body. Iodine is believed to be found in dairy products, seafood and garlic.
Iodine is thought to be an essential mineral for people suffering from problems of constipation, weight gain and sensitivity to the cold. 150 mcg per day is the maximum recommended daily amount that has been advised to be consumed from supplements.

Iron
Iron is said to be vital for good health and a lack of iron may result in anaemia. It is found in dark green vegetables, like spinach.
A lack of iron may affect many different aspects of health. It is thought iron forms an essential part of haemoglobin, this is the pigment in red blood cells that carries the oxygen throughout the body and clears away the waste of carbon dioxide.
Anaemia is the final stage of iron deficiency and is said to occur when the body has too little haemoglobin. Even if iron levels are slightly lower than usual, it is still possible to feel the effect of a lack of energy. Iron is considered to play a vital role in the group of enzymes, cytochromes, these enzymes create energy that we need for every day bodily process

Magnesium
Magnesium is believed to be essential for many of the enzyme systems that are involved in the process of converting fats, proteins and carbohydrates into energy. It is believed that Magnesium triggers the muscles to relax and that it also works with calcium to activate nerve transmission. Magnesium is said to be vital for the functioning of a healthy heart and the intestinal muscles.
It is believed that Magnesium helps in forming healthy bones and teeth. This mineral promotes the adrenal glands in producing stress related hormones. Magnesium is believed to play a vital role in the production of many different body hormones such as sex hormones for example. It is believed to help in preventing depression and pre- menstrual syndrome. Also when it is taken with Vitamin B12, it has been reported that it may help in combating cardiovascular disease and osteoporosis.
Consuming low amounts of magnesium may result in suffering from muscle cramps, stress, poor bone density, tooth decay, insomnia, confusion and joint pains. Magnesium is featured in dark green leafy vegetables such as spinach, broccoli, and okra. It is also discovered in figs, sunflower seeds, pumpkinseeds, almonds and lentils.

Manganese
This mineral is featured in over 20 different enzyme systems which are believed to influence growth and tissue repair, healthy blood sugar control, female hormone production and an increase in bone density.
Manganese is believed to be vital for cellular production and for detoxifying as it activates the antioxidant system. Manganese is firmly related with protection and formation of synovial fluid in joint spaces. Deficiency signs in manganese include poor blood sugar control, reduction in fertility rates and joint pains. High levels of manganese may be found in rye bread, buckwheat, hazelnuts and green lentils.

Phosphorous
Phosphorus is reported to be a vital component of human cells and tissue. Both the brain and nervous system are concentrated with phospholipid membranes and this is believed to make it an essential nutrient for both the brain and nervous system.
It is believed that Phosphorous is used in helping to activate B Vitamins and that it combines well with calcium and magnesium to promote healthy strong bones. Phosphorous is believed to help in increasing both energy levels and endurance levels. A lack of phosphorous is thought to be found in people that feel weak regularly, suffer from joint stiffness, fragile bones, and reduction in appetite and in people that have low resistance to infections. Foods that are rich in phosphorous are believed to include watercress, sesame seeds, almonds, cheese and sardines.

Potassium
Potassium is believed to help in maintaining correct water balance in the body. It has been said to stimulate muscular contractions and nerve transmission. It is believed that Potassium is required by body cells in responding to thyroxin. This is the hormone that monitors the metabolic rate.
It is believed that a deficiency in potassium may be noticed if one is suffering from pins and needles, low blood pressure, cellulite and tiredness. Potassium is said to help in normalising blood pressure, improving physical performance and preventing excess fluid retention. It is found in many different sources which include, garlic, celery, hazelnuts and potatoes. Consuming vast amounts of caffeine, salt and alcohol is believed to deplete potassium levels.

Selenium
Selenium is thought to be very protective against cancer, heart disease and it has been reported that selenium deficiency has been related to causing miscarriage. It reportedly works well with Vitamin E.
Selenium is known to be an essential co-factor in the body’s enzymes detoxification system and it is an antioxidant. This mineral is believed to help in protecting against heavy metal toxicity. A deficiency in selenium may be viewed by weaknesses in muscles, low blood pressure, cellulite and constipation. Selenium is believed to help in preventing cancer, fighting off viruses, raising libido levels and male potency, Selenium is reported to be good for promoting healthy eyes, skin and hair. Selenium is found mainly in Brazil nuts, lentils, houmous, tomatoes, wheatgerm and many other foods.

Sulphur
It is considered that Sulphurhelps relate strands of protein together. Sulphur is believed to be an essential mineral in helping to promote healthy hair, good skin texture, nails and strong bones.
Sulphur is believed to be vital for liver detoxification and anti- inflammatory reactions. A deficiency in sulphur may be viewed from poor state of hair, nail and skin health. Sulphur is featured commonly in fish such as salmon and cod, onions and garlic.

Zinc
Zinc is believed to play an essential role in insulin storage, making this mineral essential for blood sugar control.
Zinc is believed to be a vital nutrient for promoting a strong immune system and help the body ward off viruses. Itis believed to be vital for skin tone, cell growth and repair. Zinc is believed to be excellent for the prostate and to aid fertility and hormone production.
Zinc is featured mainly in pumpkin seeds, brown rice and pine nuts.