WHAT IS COPPER? Copper is a micromineral (or trace element) that supports the production of many important substances in the body including collagen (the main protein in animal bones and connective tissues), haemoglobin (an iron containing, oxygen transporting metalloprotein that is found in red blood cells), melanin (a pigment which colours the hair and skin) and myelin (a substance that covers nerve fibres). Today I am going to discuss this important nutrient in greater detail. WHEN WAS COPPER DISCOVERED? The discovery of copper dates back to prehistoric times around 9000 B.C. … [Read more...]
Cobalt Explained
WHAT IS COBALT? Cobalt is a micromineral (or trace element) that is part of the vitamin B12 molecule. Therefore, its role in the body is exactly the same as that of vitamin B12. As part of vitamin B12, cobalt is required to produce deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA), ribonucleic acid (RNA), red blood cells and other important hormones. In this article I will be discussing cobalt in greater detail. WHEN WAS COBALT DISCOVERED? People have been aware of cobalt since at least 1400 B.C. Back then cobalt compounds were used to colour glass and glazes blue. However, in 1735 the Swedish chemist … [Read more...]
Boron Explained
WHAT IS BORON? Boron is a micromineral (or trace element) that can be found in certain types of fruits and vegetables. It is often linked with bone health because it helps regulate and metabolise calcium, magnesium, phosphorus and vitamin D which all help your body produce strong, healthy bones. In this article I will be discussing boron in more detail. WHEN WAS BORON DISCOVERED? Boron occurs naturally and people have been aware of this element since ancient times. It was first mentioned in a book by the Persian alchemist Rhazes between 865 B.C. and 925 B.C. In this book Rhazes broke … [Read more...]
How Much Of Each Macromineral Should You Consume?
In my recent posts I have been covering the seven macrominerals in depth. I have outlined their health benefits, the negative symptoms of overdose, the adverse effects of deficiency and the best food sources. Today I am going turn my attentions to macromineral consumption and outline how much of each you should be getting. Below I will be providing the recommended daily allowance (RDA) for each of the seven macrominerals and also the tolerable upper limit for each one. 1) CALCIUM RDA:- The body's ability to absorb calcium reduces as you get older which means your RDA for this macromineral … [Read more...]
10 Super Macromineral Food Choices
In my last few articles I have been covering the macrominerals in depth. I have discussed each of the seven individually, outlined the benefits and discussed the negative implications of eating too much or too little. Today I am going to turn my attention to macromineral sources and outlining ten of the best foods for getting your recommended daily allowance (RDA) of each of the seven macrominerals. 1) ALMONDS Almonds are a nutrient packed powerhouse containing high levels of macrominerals, macronutrients, vitamins and microminerals. Macrominerals: - Calcium:- Almonds contain 266mg … [Read more...]
15 Disadvantages Of Macromineral Deficiency
In my last few posts I have been discussing the macrominerals, their benefits and the potential negative symptoms of overdosing on any of the seven. In this article I will be looking at the other side of the coin and discussing 15 disadvantages of macromineral deficiency. 1) BLOOD PROBLEMS:- Being deficient in certain macrominerals can lead to a variety of blood related problems. Not getting enough calcium can lead to high blood pressure which ultimately causes damage to your blood vessels and vital organs. Failing to eat enough magnesium can reduce blood levels of calcium and potassium. … [Read more...]
12 Reasons To Avoid Macromineral Overdose
In my previous post I discussed the many benefits of macrominerals. Whilst getting your recommended daily allowance (RDA) of all 7 macrominerals can have a hugely positive effect on your health a lot of people go too far and end up overdosing. Unfortunately, this can have a negative effect on your health. In this article I will be discussing 12 of the potential symptoms caused by overdosing on the macrominerals. 1) CALCIFICATION OF THE SOFT TISSUES:- Overdosing on phosphorus can lead to calcification of the soft tissues and major organs. This is a condition where calcium is deposited on … [Read more...]
12 Top Macromineral Benefits
When it comes to healthy eating the macronutrients get an unfair amount of publicity. Carbohydrates are constantly recommended as a great source of energy to keep you going throughout the day. If you want to build big, strong muscles then protein is deemed essential. Even dietary fats are now seen in a favourable light with more and more benefits being revealed as time passes by. Whilst all this praise heaped on the macronutrients is valid, they are not the only nutrients your body needs to function properly. Although they are required in much smaller dosages, the macrominerals are just … [Read more...]
The 7 Macrominerals Explained
In my last few articles I have been discussing each of the macrominerals in detail. Today I am going to bring this information together and provide a summary of the seven macrominerals, the ways they benefit your health, the best food sources and the adverse effects of getting too little or too much. WHAT ARE MACROMINERALS? The macrominerals are the seven main (hence the term 'macro') minerals your body needs to function properly. They are part of the micronutrient family (a group of nutrients which includes vitamins and minerals). Micronutrients are distinguished from macronutrients … [Read more...]
Sulphur Explained
WHAT IS SULPHUR? Sulphur is a macromineral that is well known for its healing properties. It is often used to treat skin conditions and other ailments. However, sulphur does much more than provide you with clear skin. In this article I will be discussing sulphur and its functions in greater detail. WHEN WAS SULPHUR DISCOVERED? Sulphur occurs as a free element and can be found in hot springs, meteorites and volcanoes. It was known to ancient people as brimstone and is referenced a number of times in the Bible. Early alchemists even gave sulphur its own alchemical symbol. However, … [Read more...]