Minerals are seen as the ugly sister of vitamins in the health industry and yet they are vital for normal body functioning. In fact, minerals are involved in every single body process. The human body cannot produce them on its own, making supplementing very much necessary. Minerals activate enzymes, maintain the correct ratio of bodily fluids. They also assist in blood and bone support, as well as healthy nerve function.

Why minerals are a must

A balanced diet provides all our essential minerals, however, modern food is often not rich in minerals. Essential in countless metabolic functions, here are the top 4 that your body cannot do without.

– Zinc is part of the production, storage, and secretion of insulin and is as a result necessary for growth hormones.

– Magnesium is required for normal muscular function, especially the heart. Deficiencies have been associated with an increase in abnormal heart conditions and are commonly associated with anxiety and nervousness.

– Potassium is critical for normal nutrient transport into the cell. A deficiency can result in muscular weakness, mild depression, and lethargy.

– Excess sodium is associated with hypertension and as a result, it is required for normal health.

All you need to know

Ensuring we enrich our diet is important for building strong bones and teeth, blood, skin, hair, nerve function, muscle and for metabolic processes. They are responsible for turning the food we eat into energy. It, therefore, stands to reason that our bodies cannot function without them, making them as important as vitamins.

There are two categories: macrominerals, such as calcium and magnesium, which are required in larger amounts, and trace minerals, which are required in much smaller quantities. When minerals are taken with food, stomach acid enhances their absorption. Always consult a health care professional or doctor for the best advice on which supplements to use and correct dosages.