Did you know that at least two billion people worldwide are deficient in key vitamins and minerals? This is worrisome.

In this article, we'll look at the role of minerals in our bodies and what types of minerals are needed for good health, from calcium and phosphorus that help build strong bones to sodium which regulates fluid levels in our bodies.

Keep reading if you want more detailed information about minerals as part of learning how to be healthier in today's modern world.

What Are Minerals?

Minerals are essential for the human body to function properly. They are inorganic, naturally occurring substances with a definite chemical composition and an orderly internal structure. We can find them in foods and also in the environment around us.

They help our bodies:

• Build bones
• Make hormones
• Regulate metabolism
• Regulate nerve transmission

Some of the most important minerals for humans include calcium, iron, magnesium, potassium, sodium, phosphorus, and zinc. Without these minerals, our bodies would be unable to perform many vital functions.

Types of Minerals

Minerals are naturally occurring substances essential for our body's proper functioning. However, there are different types of minerals. They are divided into two categories based on the amount needed in our body: macrominerals and trace minerals.

Macrominerals

Macrominerals are essential minerals that are required by the body in more significant amounts than trace minerals. These minerals include:

• Calcium
• Potassium
• Magnesium
• Sodium
• Chloride
• Phosphorus

They play a crucial role in maintaining good health. This includes forming strong bones and teeth, regulating blood pressure, conducting nerve impulses, and maintaining the proper pH balance in the body fluids.

We usually get macrominerals from various food sources. A balanced diet should provide sufficient amounts. However, a deficiency of these minerals can lead to serious health problems, making it important to ensure an adequate daily intake.

Trace Minerals

Trace minerals are a mineral that we need in small amounts to maintain good health. They are essential for various physiological functions such as growth, development, metabolism, and immune function.

Trace minerals include:

• Chromium
• Copper
• Fluoride
• Iodine
• Iron
• Manganese
• Molybdenum
• Selenium
• Zinc

Even though we only need small amounts of these minerals, they are crucial in maintaining our health. For example, zinc plays a key role in supporting our immune system, and iron is needed to make hemoglobin, which carries oxygen in our blood.

Minerals' Role in Health

As mentioned above, minerals are essential for good health and play a crucial role in our bodies. They help with osmotic pressure maintenance, enzyme activation, muscular activity, energy metabolism, stabilization of nerve function, and more.

Common minerals essential to our health include calcium, iron, zinc, potassium, magnesium, and selenium. While a balanced diet is the best way to get these minerals, some people may require supplements.

However, taking excessive amounts of minerals can be harmful, so it's important to consult a healthcare provider before taking mineral supplements. As with most health-related matters, it's all about balance.

Most Important Minerals

Our bodies require many essential minerals for optimal health and functioning, but some are particularly important. Here are a few of the top healthy minerals you should get in your regular diet.

Calcium

Calcium is an essential mineral for maintaining good health. It helps build and maintain strong bones, keeps our heart, muscles, and nerves functioning properly, and lets our blood clot.

We can get calcium from dairy products, green leafy vegetables, fortified foods, and supplements. You might suffer from weakened bones or osteoporosis without enough calcium in your diet.

Magnesium

Magnesium is vital in many bodily functions, such as strengthening bones, regulating blood pressure, and controlling diabetes.

Magnesium also helps to prevent migraines and can even improve physical performance during exercise. Additionally, it is important for proper functioning enzymes and other proteins in the body.

Sodium

Sodium is crucial for maintaining good health as it regulates blood pressure and fluid balance.

However, excess sodium intake can lead to high blood pressure, increasing the risk of heart disease and stroke. Keeping sodium intake in balance is important for maintaining optimal health.

Potassium

This nutrient helps regulate blood pressure, supports healthy nerve and muscle function, and aids in processing carbohydrates. You'll find potassium in various foods, including fruits, vegetables, and dairy products. Bananas are a popular source of potassium.

Where to Get Minerals

Finding reliable sources of minerals can be a challenge. Fortunately, there are numerous options available for obtaining these vital nutrients.

Food

Eating foods rich in minerals such as calcium, phosphorus, potassium, sodium, magnesium, iron, zinc, and iodine is important for overall health.

Nuts and seeds are particularly high in magnesium, zinc, manganese, copper, and selenium. Meat, poultry, and fish contain minerals such as iron and zinc. Dairy products are also a great source of calcium.

Are you an adventurous eater? Seaweed is packed with minerals like calcium, chloride, and iodine.

Supplements

While natural food is the best source of minerals, some individuals may require additional support through supplements.

Calcium, magnesium, sodium, potassium, selenium, iron, zinc, and chromium are all important minerals in supplement form.

Taking a daily multivitamin or mineral supplement is easy to ensure you're getting the right amount of minerals for optimal health. Just ensure the supplement comes with the right daily values you need.

Get Mineral Supplements

Do you need a mineral supplement to support a healthy diet? If so, consider NuMedica's multi-mineral formula having a unique blend of essential minerals crucial for optimal health, including calcium, magnesium, and zinc. This mineral supplement helps support your body's metabolic processes, supports bone health, and regulates nerve and muscle function, making it an essential addition to your daily health routine.