Minerals are inorganic substances our bodies need in limited amounts. And while we've known that macro minerals like calcium, potassium, sodium, and magnesium are essential, there are a few minerals that remain obscure.
These minerals are what we call trace minerals for the fact that they are needed in little amounts, but they are as important for our bodies' chemical, enzymatic, and metabolic reactions.
Iron
This is one widely recognized trace mineral that is important right from the stage of conception to old age. It is a crucial element for fresh blood cell production and helps to transport oxygen to the cells and tissues. Deficiency causes fatigue and anemia. Women need this in their reproductive years more than men do.
Iodine
It is essential for optimum thyroid function that includes growth, development, and metabolism-boosting. Iodine deficiency causes an enlargement of the thyroid gland known as goiter.
Chromium
You may be surprised to learn that insulin action and glucose metabolism are affected by chromium levels. It stimulates the synthesis of cholesterol and the function of the brain. Deficiencies can result in impaired insulin function and heart irregularities.
Fluoride
It helps shape bones and teeth. Fluoride also prevents tooth decay through remineralization of the damaged tooth enamel, which is why it is present in toothpaste.
Zinc
Zinc helps improve immunity, fertility, and is an essential component of several other enzymes, promoting fetal development. Insufficient zinc can cause hair loss, decrease sperm motility, retardation of growth, and impairment of immunity.
Selenium
Selenium helps the thyroid function other than iodine. Selenium also plays a significant role in antioxidant build-up, in addition to regulating thyroid function. Inadequate selenium may result in a mental fog, infertility, hair loss, and reduced thyroid function, becoming an autoimmune condition.
Molybdenum
It helps to build enzymes that help detoxify and regulate growth and development. Deficiency in the form of epilepsy, eye lens dislocation, and intellectual disability may be severely affected.
Manganese
It plays a key role in the absorption and degradation of carbohydrates and protein. Manganese stimulates the enzyme that increases metabolism and encourages strong, solid bones. Manganese deficiency can result in disrupted growth and reproductive function, bone deformities, and lipid metabolism affected. It can not be produced by the human body but is retained in the kidneys, brain, liver, pancreas, and bones.
Copper
There is strong scientific support for the ancient Indian practice of getting copper charged water in the morning. Copper promotes healthy bones and cartilage, allows the metabolism of iron, and assists in the production of melanin. Its deficiency can cause muscle weakness, decreased count of white blood cells, and neurological problems.
