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Minerals
Minerals are the foundation blocks of our bodies. We know that the micro-nutrients Sodium, Potassium, Chloride, Calcium and Magnesium are essential to life, we also know that in our modern diets there is too much sodium but how many people realise that Magnesium is essential to over 300 enzyme processes and the trace element zinc is directly involved in 200 enzymatic reactions? Also that there is a significant loss in our food chain of the trace elements, Selenium, Copper, Zinc, Vanadium, Chromium, Boron that have all now been recognised as having definitive physiological roles? It is time to put back into our foods the essential nutrients we require to stay well.
Let’s consider Magnesium in a little more detail. One of its most significant roles is related to the production of energy from glucose: without adequate Magnesium we can feel tired and lethargic, yet current lifestyles which involve stress and/or the use of coffee, tea, alcohol and tobacco will actively deplete the bodies stores of Magnesium.
The milling of cereals reduces their magnesium content by 80% and historically there is known to be a loss of Magnesium in our fresh fruit and vegetables. This situation has resulted in a decline in the intake of Magnesium in the US and Magnesium status is considered to be sub-optimal in several countries. Research work has directly linked symptoms of Magnesium deficiency to fatigue, depression, anorexia, hyperactivity, hypertension, cardiovascular disease, insomnia, kidney stones, muscle pain, muscle weakness, nervousness, osteoporosis, pre menstrual tension.
In addition to Magnesium the fundamental physiological and psychological significance of the specific trace elements such as Boron, Zinc, Copper, Iron, Lithium and Selenium has been demonstrated. Trace elements, like Magnesium, are becoming deficient within the food chain: ironically, most western societies could be regarded as being overfed yet malnourished.
Our minerals represent the ideal functional additives of the 21st Century for our food industry. Not only can they provide essential nutrition but are versatile in their application and inexpensive. Inclusion within our everyday foods has a dual benefit;
- Scientifically the effects are proven.
- Positive effects at the psychosomatic level.
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