What are minerals and why are they important for health?
Minerals are the small but essential nutrients which support proper function of the body. You could hold the total amount of the mineral zinc present in your body on the tip of your finger, but without it your cells could not divide and grow, and your organs would stop working in minutes. Every function of your body, from digestion to nerve impulse conduction and brain function is critically dependent on the presence and balance of about two-dozen different minerals. Your tissues cannot produce these elements, so they must be supplied regularly in your diet. Many factors, however, make it difficult for us to get adequate amounts of minerals. Modern food production depletes minerals from foods, and our lifestyles do not always make it convenient for us to eat the right balance of foods. Additionally, inadequate digestion and absorption of these nutrients can lead to subtle yet significant deficiencies that can cause serious health problems.
