A Healthy List of Minerals You Need to Know

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You most likely already understand just how important it is to get enough vitamins and supplements, but did you know that minerals should be a part of your daily nutrition? Often, people forget that they actually need certain trace minerals to remain healthy, and if they aren’t getting enough, then they may suffer from certain deficiencies. Minerals are a requirement in many functions of the body such as fluid balance, muscle regulation, and maintaining a healthy nervous system. Even the blood and bone development require minerals.

If you are interested in leading a healthier life, then you need to make sure you are getting the right trace minerals, either through diet or supplements. Some of the minerals you need include the following:

Iron

Women need more iron than men, especially if they are between the ages of 19 and 50. According to the Institute of Medicine, men and postmenopausal women need eight milligrams per day. Younger women need more than that. Iron is extremely important to blood production and creates the proteins needed for hemoglobin. Additionally, iron is present in red blood cells, muscle cells, and myoglobin. The iron in your body is also very important for immune systems and development of the brain.

Copper

Copper is extremely important in the list of minerals for men and women since it plays a role in the neurotransmitters such as norepinephrine, dopamine, serotonin, histamine, and epinephrine. This helps create energy that you need to get through the day. According to the Institute of Health, you need around 900 micrograms of copper a day.

Manganese

Manganese is used for a number of different purposes, including production of sex hormones, production of connective tissues, blood, and bones, and regulation of blood sugar. Additionally, manganese plays a role in breaking down carbohydrates and dietary fats. Women need only about 1.8 milligrams of manganese a day while men need about 2.3 milligrams per day.

Zinc

You may already be aware that zinc is important in the list of minerals for immune system health, but that’s not all. It also helps to promote enzyme production and activity in the gut, helps the DNA synthesis process, and helps to ensure wounds heal properly. A healthy adult needs between eight and eleven milligrams of zinc a day.

Other Minerals

There are others in the list of minerals that you need to consider, but you may not have heard of them. They include:

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Iodine, which supports thyroid function.

·         Selenium, which promotes cells and works as an antioxidant.

·         Chromium, which helps with production of insulin.

·         Molybdenum, which works to promote chemical reactions in the body.

·         Fluoride, which helps prevent tooth decay.

This list of minerals can help you choose the right supplements for your daily diet. By ensuring you are getting enough of the minerals your body needs, you can make sure you are as healthy as possible. Just make sure to choose a proper supplement but also eat a well-rounded, nutritious diet.