The Role of Minerals in the Body

We often hear that our bodies depend on a proper level of vitamins and minerals. While many of us have heard that certain vitamins are correlated better vision, mental health, and skin, minerals don’t seem to get quite as much attention. Despite their somewhat backseat level of popularity, they play just as important a role as vitamins. That being so, let’s discuss the role of minerals and some good sources of them.

Why We Need Minerals

Coming in both “macro” and “trace” varieties, a number of minerals are needed by your body for proper functioning, growth, and overall health. While we do not hear much about the majority of these, we may be familiar with some big ones due to marketing campaigns and other various health initiatives for the public.

Take calcium, for instance. The going line is that calcium is needed for strong bones, and in many ways that’s a nice way to sum it all up. Calcium does more though – it is also important for proper muscle and nerve function, and as the main constituent of the bone, this mineral is vital for growth.

Another important mineral that may get less attention is phosphorus. Just like calcium, certain levels of phosphorus are needed for maintaining an overall healthy body. Not only does this mineral play a part in bone formation and maintenance, but it also is crucial in energy metabolism, nerve function, and acid balance.

This list goes on: iron plays a number of roles, being vital in the process of transporting oxygen in blood; magnesium functions in many enzymes processes, being found in soft tissue and bone; sodium regulates body fluid volume and acid base in addition to playing a major role in hydration; zinc plays a part in wound healing, growth, and sexual maturation.

Clearly, minerals are essential for our existence. To find out more about each mineral, check out this concise little guide.

Good Sources for Great Minerals

With a firm understanding of why we need minerals, let’s discuss some of the best sources.

Number 1. Himalayan Salt

One of the most interesting sources of minerals is Himalayan Salt. Unlike the processed, refined salt we may regularly find on your tabletops, Himalayan Salt contains a full spectrum of minerals. Most notably, this is a great source of the two minerals found in all salts – sodium and chloride. Many people argue that this form of salt is simply healthier for your body because it is unadulterated.

Number 2. Vegetables

Of course, getting enough vegetables means you’re getting a whole variety of nutrients. Lucky for us, veggies often come with a bundle of both vitamins and minerals. That means eat a wide variety of vegetables leads to getting your wide variety of minerals. For example, if you’re looking to get more minerals like calcium, get your hands on some veggies like mustard greens, turnips, and broccoli.  Potassium can be found in bananas and other fruits and veggies; magnesium can be found in whole grains, fruits, and veggies; and copper can be found in organ meats, seafoods, and nuts and seeds.

Number 3. Supplements, if Needed

If you can’t manage to get all the minerals needed with your meals, you may consider getting a supplement for yourself. Keep in mind, though, that the best form of intake is always food! Nevertheless, supplements can offer the body much needed assistance in getting the fuel it requires. Often you can get everything you need in the form of one multivitamin/mineral supplement!