Minerals, What Are They and What Are They Good For?

Writer and expert2 years ago

Minerals are essential for promoting various bodily functions and maintaining our overall health. Different minerals work differently in contributing to our health – they are important for building strong bones and teeth, blood, skin, hair, nerve function, muscle and immune system.

Not sure what minerals you need or their benefits to our health? Check out our ultimate guide, introducing everything you need to know about 4 of the most important minerals - magnesium, iron, zinc and calcium.

1. Magnesium

Magnesium is an essential mineral that supports a number of vital functions in the body, including supporting normal muscle function, maintaining the balance of electrolytes, and more.

What Food Contains Magnesium?

We’ve listed some of our favourite magnesium-rich foods:

Spinach
Squash and pumpkin seeds
Brown rice
Tuna

However, it can be difficult to take the required amount of magnesium from your daily diet, this is why many people turn to magnesium supplements for help.

Garden of Life Whole Food Magnesium Powder could be the one that you need! This magnesium supplement is made using organic brown rice protein magnesium chelate as a source of magnesium, making it a great vegan-friendly option. Plus, it’s available in two different refreshing, fruity flavours, Raspberry Lemon and Orange.

What is Magnesium Good For?

This Whole Food Magnesium Powder provides various health benefits, including:

Contributes to the reduction of tiredness and fatigue
Supports normal muscle function
Helps to balance electrolytes in the body
Promotes the maintenance of normal bones

One serving provides the daily amount of magnesium you need to fuel your energy levels and support a healthy lifestyle.

2. Iron

Iron helps to preserve many vital functions in the body, including general energy and focus, maintaining a healthy immune system, and contributing to better athletic performance.

What Foods are High in Iron?

Common sources of iron include:

Shellfish
Liver
Red Meat
Spinach
Turkey

Although these foods are accessible in our daily lives, there seem to be limited options for you if you follow a vegetarian or vegan lifestyle.

Benefits of Iron Supplements

Iron supplements could be helpful when people find it difficult to take in enough iron through only dietary measures.

Discover Garden of Life Vitamin Code Raw Iron Capsules, featuring an uncooked base of 23 fruits and vegetables, a daily serving provides 22mg of gentle whole food iron, along with whole food vitamins C, B12 and folate.

3. Zinc

Zinc is a vital mineral that contributes to the normal function of our body in various ways, including promoting a healthy immune system, protein and DNA synthesis, enzymatic expression and more. Although it can be found in various plant and animal foods, our body can’t produce nor store it, making our daily diets and health supplements the only way to obtain this mineral.

What is Zinc Good For?

Zinc is one of the most important minerals that our bodies use in countless ways. Zinc provides immune support and is found in over 300 enzymes that aid in metabolism, digestion and nerve function. It also contributes to the formation of DNA and is essential for cell division and growth.

What Foods Contain Zinc?

Zinc can be found in a wide range of foods, including:

Shellfish
Meat
Poultry
Legumes

Alternatively, you can increase your zinc intake by taking health supplements. Every Health stocks a wide range of zinc supplements. Discover our favourite zinc capsules and gummies from Puritan’s Pride.

Puritan's Pride Chelated Zinc Capsules

Puritan's Pride Chelated Zinc Capsules are tailored to deliver the required amount of zinc needed for the day, providing 50mg of zinc in one capsule. Plus, it’s also vegetarian-friendly!

4. Calcium

Calcium is a vital mineral that contributes to the normal maintenance of normal bones and teeth and supports the normal function of digestive enzymes.

What Foods Contain Calcium?

Sources of calcium include:

Dairy products, such as milk and cheese
Green leafy vegetables, including curly kale and okra

Alternatively, you could try calcium supplements to ensure your calcium intake.

Have you had outdoor activities planned to make the best use of this summer? If so, check out our favourite energy supplements - tailored to fuel your body and replenish your energy levels!