MINERALS AND YOUR BODY
Minerals not only make up rocks, which in turn makes up our world but they also are very important for human survival. Our bodies are composed primarily of carbon and water but we need several other things in order to survive like Vitamins and minerals. Some of the important minerals that we need are Iron, Iodine, Copper, Calcium, Magnesium, Zinc Manganese, Chromium, Potassium, and Selenium. Without these minerals our bodies would not be able to regulate themselves properly and you could have several implications.
Iron is important for more than making cars and buildings, in fact its major function in the human body is to mix with copper and protein to make hemoglobin. This is very important for hemoglobin transports oxygen from the lungs to all the other parts in our bodies. Iron also builds up the blood quality and helps to fight off stress and disease. Myoglobin which is found in muscle tissue is also dependant upon iron for its creation and supplies oxygen to the muscles in your body. If you have a deficiency in iron it can cause weakness, paleness of skin, constipation, and anemia.
Iodine helps with the development and functioning of the thyroid gland; which is the body's energy production center. It burns fat by regulating your metabolism. Your mentality, hair, teeth, skin, and speech, all depend on your thyroid functioning properly. If your body is low on Iodine you make have an enlarged thyroid, slow mental reactions, weight gain, and dry skin.
Copper is necessary for absorbing and using Iron it also helps oxidize the vitamin C and works with it to form Elastin which is a component of muscle fibers in the human body. Copper also aids in the formation of your bones and red blood cells. If you do not have enough copper in your system it can cause respiratory problems, weakness, and skin sores.
Calcium builds and maintains our bone structure and teeth, keeps heart rhythm regulated, eases insomnia, and lets nutrients pass in and out of cell walls. Calcium also assists with blood clotting, maintains nerve and muscle functions, lowers blood pressure and helps the kidneys function properly. Recent research also shows that Calcium reduces your risk of colon cancer, and can also reduce cholesterol levels. Not having enough calcium can cause muscle spasms, softening of bones, cramps in the legs and back, brittle bones, rickets, poor growth, osteoporosis, tooth decay, and depression.
Magnesium converts blood sugar to energy, helps metabolize calcium and vitamin C, and helps maintain proper heart rhythm. If you do not have enough magnesium you could experience heart spasms, nervousness, confusion, calcium depletion, and you might even pass a kidney stone. Trust me you do not want to pass any kidney stones they are not any fun.
Zinc is an important antioxidant nutrient, it helps with wound healing, development of the reproductive organs, prostate functions, and aids in the digestion of phosphorus. Without enough zinc you could have delayed sexual maturity, white spots on finger nails, stretch marks, fatigue, and decreased alertness.
Manganese is also an important antioxidant and helps your blood break down amino acids and produce energy. It also helps in digestion and the breakdown of B-1 and E, nourishes the nerves and brain, and is necessary for proper skeletal development. If you don't get enough manganese in your diet you could end up paralyzed, or deaf. It also causes digestive problems, dizziness, ataxia, and can cause blindness in infants.
Chromium works with insulin in your body to stabilize blood sugar levels, and helps with the transport of amino acids. It also cleans arteries and helps control your appetite. Low levels of chromium make you more susceptible to cancer and heart problems. It can also cause depressed growth, obesity, tiredness, and heart disease.
Potassium works along with sodium to regulate the bodies waste balance and normalize the heart rhythms. It with enable you to think clearly by sending oxygen to the brain, stimulates the kidneys to get ride of waste products, reduces blood pressure, and helps to promote healthy skin. It can cause poor reflex ability, disorders in the nervous system, failure of the respiratory system, a heart attack, and muscle damage.
Selenium is also an antioxidant that protects cell membranes and can help decrease the risk of cancer in the breast, colon, lung, and prostate. It also slows down aging and the hardening of tissues, and can help get ride of that horrible dandruff.
Yes, minerals are more than just components in rocks. They help with everyday body processes, reduce risk of certain cancers, strengthen muscles and tissues, help develop organs and tissues as well as keeping them from deteriorating. So basically without minerals not only would we not have rocks, cars, buildings and other things we would not be able to survive. So the next time you look at a rock composed of minerals remember it is more than a rock, it is your vial of life, health, and happiness.
The World of Amber by Susie Ward Aber
Return to the Student's Index page