Weight Loss – Why We Need Minerals
MINERALS are basic elements found in the soil. Plants pick upthese elements naturally. When we eat these plants [or animalswho have eaten the plants], we absorb these minerals into ourown tissues.
SODIUM, POTASSIUM, MAGNESIUM and CALCIUM are minerals the bodyrequires in large amounts, the focus of this report will be onthese four minerals. There are many other minerals the body usesbut the amounts are very small.
SODIUM, known as salt, regulates the water distribution in ourbodies Salt is the most abundant mineral in our blood andactive people need it. Low salt levels will cause dehydrationand muscle cramps.
This does not mean piling on extra salt while cooking or eating,we get enough salt depending on the foods we eat. Meat, fish,chicken, grains, and nuts contain salt.
Other foods high in salt: milk and margarine [except thoseadvertised as low salt], canned foods, ketchup, popcorn, potatochips, french fries and sauerkraut.
According to a Harvard Medical School study, all our bodyrequires is 0.2 grams of salt per day. Too much salt causesdehydration, potassium loss and serious medical problems.
POTASSIUM is a mineral that controls muscle heat and nerveconduction [the transmission of nerve impulses]. When weexercise and feel weak and tired, its usually low minerallevels in muscle cells. Lack of Potassium is a common cause andthere is no warning system to tell you this, unless a blood testis performed.
When exercising, muscle produces heat; Potassium released by themuscle prevents overheating by increasing blood flow. Sweat andurine excrete Potassium so replacing it is vital.
Fruit juices have high levels of Potassium, drinking
generousamounts will replenish low levels of this mineral. OtherPotassium rich foods are: fruits and vegetables, molasses,pecans, rye, flour, soy beans, walnuts and wheat germ.
MAGNESIUM helps to control muscle contraction and regulates theconversion of carbohydrates to energy. Low magnesium levelscause fatigue and muscle cramps.
A U.S. Department Of Agriculture report states that 36% ofMagnesium is supplied through dairy products and meat. Otherrecommended foods are dark bread, nuts, and green leafyvegetables.
Believe it or not, beer is a great source of magnesium. Someprofessional athletes have been known to hit the beer cooler asa post game recovery drink.
CALCIUM is the most abundant mineral and the main structuralmaterial for bones and teeth. Calcium controls musclecontraction and regulates most of the chemical reactions in ourbody.
Unless you are growing, pregnant or nursing, calciumrequirements are low. If your body needs calcium, your own boneswill supply it.
Sources of calcium: almonds, asparagus, beans, cabbage,cauliflower, cheese, egg yolk, figs, lentils, milk, nuts,sardines and turnip greens.
Combining these four minerals into your daily diet will increaseenergy levels and add some snap to your exercise routine!
About the author:
Jay is the web owner ofhttp://www.weight-loss.biz/weight-loss-online/ WeightLoss Online, a website that provides information andresources on nutrition, weight loss programs, and fitness. Youcan also visit his website at:http://www.diet-pill.info/diet-program/ for Diet Program
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