WHAT IS SODIUM? Sodium is a macromineral that helps the muscles and nerves function properly. Whilst it often receives bad publicity (due to its close links with salt), sodium is actually essential for good health. In this article I will be discussing sodium and its functions in greater detail. WHEN WAS SODIUM DISCOVERED? Humans have been aware of sodium compounds throughout history. Glass (which is made using sodium carbonate) was being manufactured on a large scale in Egypt as early as 1370 B.C. However, although there was an awareness of sodium from an early date, people … [Read more...]
Potassium Explained
WHAT IS POTASSIUM? Potassium is a macromineral that can be found in a wide range of foods. It supports your body with various functions including maintaining proper muscle contractions and regular heartbeats. In this article I will be looking at potassium and its role in greater detail. WHEN WAS POTASSIUM DISCOVERED? Early humans were familiar with the potassium compound potash which was also known as vegetable alkali. However, until the eighteenth century they had difficulty distinguishing between vegetable alkali and mineral alkali (a none potassium compound). During the … [Read more...]
Phosphorus Explained
WHAT IS PHOSPHORUS? Phosphorus is an important macromineral that keeps your bones and teeth strong. It is the second most abundant macromineral in the human body, accounting for around 1% of an average adult's bodyweight. In this article I am going to look at phosphorus in greater detail and explain why you should ensure it is part of your diet. WHEN WAS PHOSPHORUS DISCOVERED? Phosphorus was accidentally isolated in 1669 by German alchemist Hennig Brand. He was attempting to convert metals into gold and was convinced that urine was the key to doing this. In one of his experiments … [Read more...]
Magnesium Explained
WHAT IS MAGNESIUM? Magnesium is one of the seven macrominerals that your body needs to survive. It has many roles in the body which include supporting healthy bone growth and helping your muscle tissues and nerves to function properly. In this post I am going to take an in depth look at magnesium and the importance of it to your health. WHEN WAS MAGNESIUM DISCOVERED? The history of magnesium dates back to 1618 when the town of Epsom in England was suffering from a severe drought. A local farmer named Henry Wicker noticed that his cows refused to drink from one of the town's wells, … [Read more...]
Chloride Explained
WHAT IS CHLORIDE? Chloride (formed when the element chlorine picks up an electron from a negatively charged ion) is a macromineral that your body uses to maintain a proper fluid balance and is also essential for metabolism. It represents approximately 0.15% of your total bodyweight and can be found in the fluid that surrounds your cells. In this article I will be discussing chloride in greater detail. WHEN WAS CHLORIDE DISCOVERED? Carl Whilhelm Scheele initially discovered chlorine in 1774 and named it dephlogisticated marine acid. However, in the years following the discovery some … [Read more...]
Calcium Explained
Over the last few months I have been discussing the various nutrients that are essential for good health. So far I have covered the macronutrients (carbohydrates, fats and protein) and the thirteen vitamins in detail. In my next series of posts I am going to be focussing on the micronutrients. Today I am beginning this series and looking at calcium. WHAT IS CALCIUM? Calcium is one of the seven macrominerals needed by your body. It was discovered in its isolated form in 1808 by Sir Humphry Davy. The main function of calcium is to support strong bones and teeth. WHEN WAS CALCIUM … [Read more...]