MINERALS Minerals are an essential part of life on Earth as they work to promote the health of all living cells. They are necessary ingredients of life. There are over 20 minerals which are essential for mammalian life on Earth. Among these, there are some minerals that appear with the most prevalence in the human body.
Calcium plays an important role in forming bones and teeth; helps with blood clotting, and muscle and nerve function.
We can find calcium in salmon, sardines, milk, cheese, yogurt, calcium-set tofu, Chinese cabbage, kale, broccoli. Lack of calcium can lead to bone density issues, dental concerns, and muscular cramping. Overdosage of calcium can cause kidney stones; faulty kidney function; high blood levels of calcium; calcium deposits in soft tissue; decreased absorption of iron, zinc and magnesium
Iodine is a part of the thyroid hormones; it prevents goiter and a birth defect called infantile myxedema.
We can find this mineral in iodized salt, seafood, kelp.
Overdosage of iodine can lead to elevated level of thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH).
Iron is a part of hemoglobin; it helps blood carry oxygen to your body’s tissues and muscles; needed to make energy; supports immune system health; prevents one type of anemia We can find iron in meat, fish, poultry, lentils, beans, fortified breads and cereals.
Possible effects of taking too much are an upset stomach; constipation; diarrhea; dark stools; decreased absorption of zinc, calcium and copper.
Magnesium helps maintain normal muscle and nerve function; it sustains regular heartbeat; keeps bones strong; helps your body produce energy.
Magnesium is contained in meats, seafood, milk, cheese, yogurt, green leafy vegetables, bran cereal, nuts.
Possible effects of taking too much are diarrhea; nausea; appetite loss; muscle weakness; trouble breathing; low blood pressure; irregular heartbeat; mental changes; kidney failure.
Phosphorus is essential for healthy bones; helps your body produce energy .
It is contained in milk, yogurt, cheese, peas, meat, fish, eggs, some cereals and breads
Overdosage of phosphorus can cause decreased absorption of calcium. It also can join with calcium in the blood and form calcium deposits in soft tissue and also lead to porous bones.
Zinc supports your immune system; needed for wound healing and tissue repair; maintains your sense of taste and smell; helps digestion; supports normal reproduction, growth and development
We can find zinc in red meats, liver, oysters, certain seafood, milk products, eggs, beans, nuts, whole grains, and fortified cereals.
Possible effects of taking too much are decreased absorption of iron and copper; reduced immune function; reduced levels of high-density lipoproteins (HDL)—also called the “good cholesterol”
Life is a game of balance. The dietary minerals or elements as they're known today, that are in every human are in a constant balancing act to regulate cellular health, which leads to total body health. Deviations in the balance of any of these elements can have adverse effects that could be life threatening. By promoting a balanced range of nutrition, you will be providing your body with the essential dietary elements which are necessary to develop and grow.
Ex.2 Answer the questions.ответьте на вопросы.
1. Why are minerals an essential part of life on Earth?
2. Does calcium play an important role in forming bones and teeth?
3. What mineral sustains regular heartbeat?
4. Overdosage of phosphorus can cause decreased absorption of calcium, can’t it?
5. Why is zinc needed?
6. What effects can the overdosage of iron have?