Minerals are vital for the proper structure of bodily fluids, blood and bone formation, nerve function, muscular tone, and the cardiovascular system. Minerals act as coenzymes in much the same way as vitamins do by allowing the body to carry out its processes such as energy production, growth, and healing. Because all enzyme activities require minerals, they are important for vitamin and other nutrient utilization.
The body, like all of nature, must maintain an equilibrium in the chemical composition. The body's balance is affected by the amounts of various minerals present and especially their ratios to one another.
Every mineral in the body interacts with every other one, so if there is an imbalance with even just one, it throws off the levels of all the others. If left uncorrected, this can eventually cause illness.
Minerals are naturally occurring elements found in the earth. Mineral salts make up rock formations. Erosion is the process by which rock and stone are broken down into tiny pieces over time, a process that may take millions of years. The dust and sand created as a result of this erosion accumulate, eventually forming soil. Microbes thrive in soil and utilize these mineral salt particles, which are then transferred to plants by herbivorous animals. Herbivorous creatures eat vegetation or animals that consume plants. We acquire minerals by eating plants or other herbivores.
Minerals are classified according to whether they come from bulk minerals (macrominerals) or trace minerals (microminerals). Calcium, magnesium, sodium, potassium, and phosphorus are bulk minerals. Trace elements are required in much lower quantities than bulk minerals.
Although you only need a tiny amount of trace minerals, they are essential for maintaining good health. Some examples of trace minerals are boron, chromium, copper, germanium, iodine, iron manganese molybdenum selenium silicon sulfur vanadium and zinc.
Mineral overconsumption can lead to toxicity. Mineral poisoning is, however, uncommon since harmful levels of minerals are generally only produced when a lot of food is consumed for an extended amount of time.
Minerals are best digested with food. Once absorbed, minerals then need to be carried by the blood to cells and transported in a form that can be used by those cells across cell membranes. However, once they enter the body, different minerals compete with each other for absorption. For instance, an overabundance of zinc can lead to depletion of copper in the body; too much calcium affects magnesium absorption (and vice versa).
Therefore, it is essential to take supplemental minerals in balanced amounts. Otherwise, they will be ineffective and might even cause harm. Also, the use of fibre supplements can affect the absorption of minerals. Fiber decreases the body's ability to absorb minerals. So, it is best to take supplemental fibre and minerals at different times.
Many people, like as with vitamins, do not consume adequate minerals in their diets. Boosting your mineral intake by supplementing with herbs that are high in minerals is a wonderful method to increase your mineral intake.
Some of the best herbs for providing minerals include dandelion, nettle, horsetail, and oat straw. Dandelion is a great source of calcium, magnesium, potassium, and zinc. Nettle is high in calcium, magnesium, potassium, and manganese. Horsetail is a good source of calcium, magnesium, potassium, and silica. Oat straw is high in calcium, magnesium, potassium, and zinc.
These are just a few of the many herbs that are high in minerals. If you want to boost your mineral intake, consider adding some of these herbs to your diet. Not only will you be getting more minerals, but you'll also be getting the other beneficial compounds found in these herbs.
Source: Balch, Phyllis A. “Prescription for Nutritional Healing, Fifth Edition.” A Practical a-To-Z Reference to Drug-Free Remedies Using Vitamins, Minerals, Herbs and Food Supplements, Penguin Books, 2010.
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