Minerals

As important as vitamins are, they can do nothing for you without minerals. Vitamins cannot be assimilated without the aid of minerals. And though the body can manufacture a few vitamins, it cannot manufacture a single mineral. . They are vital to overall mental and physical well-being.
Minerals act as catalysts for many biological reactions within the body, including muscle response, the transmission of messages through the nervous system, the production of hormones, digestion, and the utilization of nutrients in foods.

Calcium

IMPORTANCE: Builds and maintains bones and teeth; regulates heart rhythm;
eases insomnia; helps regulate the passage of nutrients in & out of the
cell walls; assists in normal blood clotting; helps maintain proper nerve
and muscle function; lowers blood pressure; important to normal kidney
function and in current medical research reduces the incidence of colon
cancer, and reduces blood cholesterol levels.

DEFICIENCY SYMPTOMS: May result in arm and leg muscles spasms, softening of
bones, back and leg cramps, brittle bones, rickets, poor growth,
osteoporosis ( a deterioration of the bones), tooth decay, depression.


Magnesium

IMPORTANCE: Plays an important role in regulating the neuromuscular
activity of the heart; maintains normal heart rhythm; necessary for proper
calcium & Vitamin C metabolism; converts blood sugar into energy.

DEFICIENCY SYMPTOMS: May result in calcium depletion, heart spasms,
nervousness, muscular excitability, confusion; kidney stones.

Iron

IMPORTANCE: Its major function is to combine with protein and copper in
making hemoglobin. Hemoglobin transports oxygen in the blood from the lungs
to the tissues which need oxygen to maintain basic life functions. Iron
builds up the quality of the blood and increases resistance to stress and
disease. It is also necessary for the formation of myoglobin which is found
only in muscle tissue. Myoglobin supplies oxygen to muscle cells for use in
the chemical reaction that results in muscle contraction. Iron also prevent
fatigue and promotes good skin tone.

DEFICIENCY SYMPTOMS: May result in weakness, paleness of skin,
constipation, anemia.


Iodine

IMPORTANCE: Aids in the development and functioning of the thyroid gland;
regulates the body's production of energy; helps burn excess fat by
stimulating the rate of metabolism; mentality, speech, the condition of the
hair, skin, & teeth are dependent upon a well-functioning thyroid gland.

DEFICIENCY SYMPTOMS: May result in an enlarged thyroid gland, slow mental
reaction, dry skin & hair, weight gain, loss of physical & mental vigor.


Copper

IMPORTANCE: Necessary for the absorption & utilization of Iron; helps
oxidize Vitamin C and works with Vitamin C to form Elastin, a chief
component of the Elastin muscle fibers throughout the body; aids in the
formation of red blood cells; helps proper bone formation & maintenance.

DEFICIENCY SYMPTOMS:May result in general weakness, impaired respiration,
skin sores.


Zinc

IMPORTANCE: Is an antioxidant nutrient; necessary for protein synthesis;
wound healing; vital for the development of the reproductive organs,
prostate functions and male hormone activity; it governs the contractility
of muscles; important for blood stability; maintains the body's alkaline
balance; helps in normal tissue function; aids in the digestion and
metabolism of phosphorus.

DEFICIENCY SYMPTOMS: May result in delayed sexual maturity, prolonged
healing wounds, white spots on finger nails, retarded growth, stretch
marks, fatigue, decreased alertness, susceptibility to infections.



Manganese

IMPORTANCE: An antioxidant nutrient; important in the blood breakdown of
amino acids and the production of energy; necessary for the metabolism of
Vitamin B-1 & Vitamin E; Activates various enzymes which are important for
proper digestion & utilization of foods; is a catalyst in the breakdown of
fats & cholesterol; helps nourish the nerves and brain; necessary for
normal skeletal development; maintains sex hormone production.

DEFICIENCY SYMPTOMS: May result in paralysis, convulsions, dizziness,
ataxia, loss of hearing, digestive problems, blindness and deafness in
infants.


Chromium

IMPORTANCE: Works with insulin in the metabolism of sugar and stabilizes
blood sugar levels; cleans the arteries by reducing Cholesterol &
Triglyceride levels; helps transport amino acids to where the body needs
them; helps control the appetite; medical research has shown that persons
with low levels of Chromium in their bodies are more susceptible to having
cancer and heart problems and becoming diabetic.

DEFICIENCY SYMPTOMS: May result in glucose intolerance in diabetics;
atherosclerosis, heart disease, depressed growth, obesity, tiredness.


Potassium

IMPORTANCE: .Works with sodium to regulate the body's waste balance and
normalize heart rhythms; aids in clear thinking by sending oxygen to the
brain; preserves proper alkalinity of body fluids; stimulates the kidneys
to eliminate poisonous body wastes; assists in reducing high blood
pressure; promotes healthy skin.

DEFICIENCY SYMPTOMS: May result in poor reflexes, nervous disorders,
respiratory failure, cardiac arrest, muscle damage.


Selenium

IMPORTANCE:A major antioxidant nutrient, protects cell membranes and
prevents free radical generation thereby decreasing the risk of cancer and
disease of the heart and blood vessels. Medical surveys show that increased
selenium intake decreases the risk of breast, colon, lung and prostate
cancer. Selenium also preserves tissue elasticity; slows down the aging and
hardening of tissues through oxidation; helps in the treatment and
prevention of dandruff.

DEFICIENCY SYMPTOMS: May result in premature aging, heart disease,
dandruff, loose skin.