DO WE NEED TRACE ELEMENTS IN OUR DIET?

Trace Elements are a vital part of the human diet. They play a very critical role in ones health, since even with a minuscule amount (hence trace minerals) of them, our health could be strongly affected. They are vital in the absorption and assimilation of vitamins and other necessary nutrients. They assist in the digestive processes and function as catalyzers of the many hormones, enzymes and other vital bodily functions. They also help replace those electrolytes that are lost in perspiration or after an intense bout of diarrhea. Indian tribes such as the Aztecs once used trace minerals for healing purposes.

 With modern intensive farming methods, soils from which our food are derived have been seriously depleted of minerals and those essential trace elements, Nitrogen, Phosphorous, and Potassium (NPK) chemical fertilizers do not replenish the many crucial trace elements and minerals that are necessary for optimum health. However, it should also be understood that trace mineral supplies for plant growth may yield plants that are deficient. For instance: selenium, cobalt and iodine concentrations needed for optimal plant growth are much less than the requirements of animals. The mineral concentration in soils has a great effect on the pH levels, which in turn has a greater impact on mineral absorbs ion by plants. For example, molybdenum absorbs ion increases as soil pH increases which in turn adversely affects the availability of copper.

 Some of the most vital trace minerals are:

 Iron, the most common trace mineral in the body, is used to carry oxygen in the red blood cells' hemoglobin to all major body parts. There are two kinds of iron: heme and nonheme. Heme iron is from animal tissues and is easily absorbed when eaten, whereas nonheme iron is from plants and is difficult to absorb. Good sources of heme iron include shellfish - not recommended for pregnant women though, red meats, tofu and fish. Be careful with the last recommendation though most of the fish caught in some of our coastal waters are heavily contaminated.

 Zinc is necessary for over 10 enzyme functions, including nucleic acid synthesis, immune functions, wound healing, the storage and release of insulin and sex organ development. Lack of zinc in your diet can cause stunted growth (dwarfism), skin rashes, diarrhea and poor wound healing. Great sources of zinc include: whole grains, nuts and beans. Seafood, beef, eggs.

 Selenium works with vitamin E as an antioxidant by protecting cells from the damage from free radicals. Selenium helps in an enzyme function (glutathione peroxidase) that prevents free radical production by diminishing peroxide concentrations in the cells, while vitamin E can stop the cell-damaging actions of free radicals. Although selenium in tiny amounts is OK, too much of selenium causes liver disease, hair loss, alopecia and fragility. Not enough selenium causes muscle atrophy pain and heart disease (cardiomyopathy) Good sources of selenium Are: whole grains, egg noodles, fish, and organ meat. It is recommended that this mineral is taken in a liquid form preferably organic as it only absorbs the required amount of these minerals and secretes any excess naturally through elimination.

 Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Alex_Mc_Ginty

They are 36 trace minerals incorporated in Bogdana Rejuvenating Nutritional Formula. We don't get enough of trace elements in our diets today and they are essential for our overall health. It's important to choose dietary supplements that contain trace elements as well as vitamins and minerals.