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Minerals
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Minerals are essential factors in human nutrition; they are constituents of the bones, teeth, soft tissue, muscles, blood, and nerve cells. They act as catalysts for many biological reactions within the body, and are important in the production of hormones. |
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Boron
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Boron is a recently discovered trace element which influences the metabolism of nutrients involved in the maintenance of strong bones and may play a role in hormone regulation. |
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Calcium
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Calcium is the body’s most abundant mineral. Its primary function is to help build and maintain bones and teeth, which it does in cooperation with Phosphorus. In addition, Calcium aids in the process of blood clotting and in the control of the passage of fluids through the cells. It is also related to the proper functioning of the heart and neuromuscular system. Vitamin D is an important factor in calcium absorption. |
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Chromium
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Chromium, serves to potentiate the effectiveness of insulin, the hormone responsible for blood sugar metabolism. |
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Copper
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Copper is found in all the tissues of the body. It assists in the formation of haemoglobin and red blood cells by aiding Iron absorption, and assists in the conversion of an amino acid to a dark pigment which colours the hair and skin. A large amount of Molybdenum, Zinc or Sulphur in the diet is antagonistic to Copper, having an adverse effect on its absorption. |
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Iron
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The major function of Iron is to act with protein and Copper in making haemoglobin, the oxygen-carrying pigment found in red blood cells. Vitamin C enhances the absorption of Iron by changing it to a form that is more readily usable by the body |
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Kelp
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Kelp provides us with a number of trace minerals, including Iodine. Iodine is an essential component of the thyroid hormone, thyroxin, which is the master regulator of the metabolic reactions involved in oxidation. |
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Magnesium
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At least half of the Magnesium in the body is combined with Calcium and Phosphorus in the bones. The remainder is in the red blood cells, muscles and other soft tissue. Magnesium is involved in muscle contraction and nerve function. |
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Manganese
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Manganese is an important activator for, and is part of, many enzyme systems. It plays a part in protein synthesis and fatty acid metabolism, and is necessary for normal skeletal development and for pituitary gland activity. |
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Molybdenum
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Molybdenum is a trace element that serves as a co-factor in many enzyme systems. |
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Potassium
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Sodium and Potassium are involved in the balance of fluid within the body. Potassium being found mainly within the cells, and Sodium being found predominately in the fluids outside the cells. Along with Calcium and Magnesium, the balance of these electrolytes plays a vital role in cardiovascular health. |
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Selenium
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Selenium is an essential trace mineral that works synergistically with vitamin E. As a constituent of glutathione peroxidase, an antioxidant enzyme, selenium neutralises free radicals before they can damage body tissues. |
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Silica
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Silica is a trace mineral. The functions of silica are understood to play a role in making and maintaining connective tissue. Silica is present in areas of bone that are undergoing mineralization, which indicates this mineral might be important for normal bone function - other uses being in utilising minerals into skin and hair. |
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Zinc
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Zinc is an essential trace mineral, important to the immune system, and is a component of many enzyme systems. It is also constituent of insulin and male reproductive fluid. Should there be a high intake of Calcium, or of phytic acid, found in certain grains, there is a need for a greater intake of Zinc. |
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