Minerals and our health.

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THE EPOCH TIMES INTERNATIONAL Minerals and Our Health Christina Riveland Epoch Times Seattle Staff Dec 28, 2005 Every living cell on our planet Earth depends on minerals for proper function and structure. We need minerals for proper composition of body fluids, for skin and bone formation, for maintaining correct nerve function and proper muscle tone—including the cardio-vascular system. The human body, like all of nature, must maintain its chemical balance to function at peak efficiency. Minerals play a vital part in ensuring this balance. Minerals are elements and compounds that originate in the Earth and cannot be made by living systems. These substances are found in the soil, which was deposited

over eons from the erosion of rock containing salts. Tiny microbes live in this soil and pass these substances to plants. Minerals from plant sources vary from place to place, because soil mineral content varies by geographic specificity. Herbivores eat the plants, we eat the herbivores—thus we are fortified with these substances. Most of the minerals in our diets come directly from plants or indirectly from animal sources. Minerals may also be present in the water we drink, but this varies with geographic locale. Minerals are primarily stored in bones and muscle tissue. Over-consumption can lead to toxicity, but that is rare. Once the body absorbs a mineral, the bloodstream carries it to the cells. One of the most important minerals for human beings is salt, or sodium. Without it our hearts and nerves could not function and our muscles would not contract, and the water balance would be off. Symptoms of sodium deficiency can include cramps, confusion, anorexia,

dehydration, depression, dizziness, hallucinations, headaches, palpitations and a host of other ailments. But salt alone is not sufficient to remedy these conditions. Potassium is another mineral needed to properly balance sodium. An imbalance of the two can lead to heart disease. Individuals who take diuretics may become sodium and/or potassium deficient. Selenium is a trace mineral that all of us need to inhibit the oxidation of fats in our bodies. It further protects the immune system from substances called free radicals (substances that can lead to illnesses). It helps keep our livers and hearts healthy, and is found in meat and grains—depending on the soil. Interestingly, New Zealand soils are low in selenium, which has led to cattle and sheep raised there to suffer a breakdown of muscle tissue, including the heart muscle. New Zealanders' intake of selenium is adequate because of grain imported from Australia ia high in selenium. American farmland soil is likewise low in

selenium, resulting in selenium-deficient produce. Since our produce looks so nice, fresh and colorful, we assume we get all the nutrients those foods provide, but sometimes we don't. Broccoli, brown rice, chicken, dairy products, garlic, kelp, liver, onions, molasses, garlic and whole grains contain selenium. Zinc is a mineral essential for prostate gland function and growth of the reproductive organs. Zinc promotes a healthy immune system and contributes greatly to wound healing. Zinc even affects our ability to taste and smell. In combination with certain other substances, zinc seems to have the same antioxidant properties as vitamins C and E, aiding greatly in keeping us well and keeping illnesses at bay. Zinc deficiency results in the loss of taste and smell, can make fingernails brittle and peel and develop white spots. Research suggests that people with acne are likely to be zinc deficient. What can lower our zinc level or deplete it? The culprits might be diarrhea, kidney

problems, liver cirrhosis, diabetes or the over-consumption of fiber foods, which causes zinc to be excreted through the intestinal tract. This is not meant to be a scientific essay on minerals, but is presented to create an awareness of the fact that all the foods we eat play a vital role in our well-being. Our food not only look attractive and taste great when well-prepared and enjoyed with family and friends, but also plays an important role in our health. "We are what we eat," so to speak, and the more essential nutrients present in the foods we eat, the better health we will enjoy. Copyright 2000 - 2005 Epoch Times International “New opinions often appear first as jokes and fancies, then as blasphemies and treason, then as questions open to discussion, and

finally as established truths.” – George Bernard Shaw.

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