Minerals - Blog 1

What are Minerals?

• To meet the definition of "mineral" used by most geologists a substance must meet five requirements: 

1. naturally occurring
2. inorganic
3. solid
4. definite chemical composition
5. ordered internal structure

• Minerals are inorganic substances found in the foods and also in the earth. 
• Few minerals that we need to consume are Calcium, Iron, Phosphorous etc.
• Getting minerals in right amounts is essential for good health.

There are 2 categories of Minerals

1. Trace Minerals
2. Major Minerals

Trace Minerals

• Some minerals are required in  small amounts by body called TRACE Minerals. 
• If you need less than 100mg a day, that mineral is called a trace mineral.

Major Minerals

• Some minerals are required in large quantities by the body, called MAJOR Minerals.
• A major mineral is an inorganic substance that you  need everyday in amounts higher than 100mg. 

• A diet rich in green vegetables and fruits, and whole grains grown in fertile soil may afford some assurance of minerals, but much of our soil today is depleted and lacking in essential nutrients.
• Adding mineral supplements to the diet, will provide some insurance.
• Having the proper balance of minerals in the body can make the difference between disease or sickness and optimum health.

In my next blog, I will discuss in detail about each of these minerals. You can get more information regarding mineral rich foods in my coming blog.

                                                                 

                                                                                                       ....... To Be Continued

Vitamins - Blog2

In our earlier blog, we have discussed about Fat and Water soluble Vitamins. In this blog, we would like to discuss in detail about all the Vitamins.

Vitamin A:

• Vitamin A helps in  bone growth, cell functioning, our eyes adjusting to the light etc. 
• Vitamin A is available in two forms. In the body, beta-carotene is converted into Vitamin A, whether it comes from foods or supplements.

Vitamin B

• Help your cells grow and reproduce properly.
• Send messages back and forth from your brain along your nerves.
• Helps to produce energy by breaking down the food into energy.
• You can see the Vitamin B family in the below image.

Vitamin E:

• This Vitamin protects your cell membranes against damage from free radicals.

Vitamin D:

• Do you know to get Vitamin E, you need not even eat. 
• Just go outside and get it from Sun. 
• This Vitamin is made when the sun shines on our skin, and the ultraviolet light makes a type of cholesterol that turns into Vitamin D.

Vitamin K:

Vitamin K is essential to support normal blood clotting.

The Powerful Vitamin C:

• Vitamin C helps more than 300 different functions of your body, including your immune system.