Team Vitamineule
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1. what are minerals?
Minerals are elements which play a major role in the human organism. Minerals are divided into two subgroups. These are bulk elements and trace elements. The difference can be easily explained. Bulk elements are present in larger quantities in the body (more than 50 mg per kg body weight). Trace elements are only found in small amounts (less than 50 mg per kg body weight). Essential are above all bulk elements such as calcium and magnesium. Among the trace elements, especially iron, zinc and selenium are indispensable.
2. tasks of minerals
Minerals take over many tasks in the human body:
- Maintenance of a normal fabric tension
- Transmission of stimuli and enzymes
- Maintenance of normal blood clotting
- Transmission of pulses
- Strengthening of the immune system
- Mineralization of strong bones and teeth
- Stabilization of the excitability of muscles
- Regulation of the acid-base balance
- Production of enzymes
3. which foods contain a particularly high level of minerals?
1. lentils
Lentils are among the most nutritious foods. Not only do they contain a lot of iron, but also large amounts of magnesium, potassium and zinc.
2. dried apricots
Dried apricots have a higher concentration of minerals due to the removal of water. They contain much more potassium than normal fruit.
3. fish
Fish contain incredibly large quantities of iodine. Iodine is particularly essential for humans, as it is indispensable for thyroid function.
4. amaranth
Amaranth is particularly rich in zinc, magnesium and iron. The grain can be used for baking as well as for cooking.
5. porcini mushrooms
Porcini mushrooms are very healthy. They contain much selenium and zinc. Therefore they have the highest content of minerals of all mushrooms.
4. what happens if there is a mineral deficiency?
A mineral often results from a wrong diet. Due to a one-sided diet, the frequent consumption of ready-made meals and a low intake of vitamins, a lack of minerals can easily develop. This often makes itself felt through unspecific symptoms. These are for example a changed skin appearance, tiredness and hair loss. However, a mineral deficiency can usually be easily brought under control by a change in diet and the help of dietary supplements.
5. conclusion: What are minerals?
Minerals are essential elements for humans. They fulfil many different tasks in the body. These include the mineralization of strong bones and teeth and the regulation of the acid-base balance. Minerals are divided into trace elements and bulk elements. Through a healthy and balanced diet they should best be absorbed by the body on a daily basis. This is the best way to avoid a mineral deficiency. Because a mineral deficiency often results not only from a one-sided diet, but also from the frequent consumption of ready meals and fast food.
Further sources:
- Mechanism of Bone Mineralization
- On the biophysical regulation of mineral growth: Standing out from the crowd
- Mineral characterization in calcifying tissues: atomic, molecular and macromolecular perspectives
- Influence of trace mineral sources on broiler performance, lymphoid organ weights, apparent digestibility, and bone mineralization