The minerals we need in our body are those same minerals found in rocks, metals, soil and water. While each mineral plays a unique role, together they support the body’s enzyme systems and keep the body balanced and healthy.

Minerals, the major components of bones, also help regulate blood pressure, heal wounds, and conduct nerve impulses. Some of the most essential minerals are discussed here. Amounts needed for most of these minerals are quite small, and excessive amounts can be toxic.

Calcium – Needed for healthy bones, teeth, and nails. Calcium plays an important role in proper nerve transmission, muscle contraction, heartbeat regulation, and blood coagulation.

Chromium Picolinate – Best absorbed form of chromium. Helps the body metabolize carbohydrates, fats, and protein. Needed for the normal release of energy from cells. Helps to maintain stable glucose levels and promote fat loss.

Copper – Necessary for collagen, elastin and red blood cell formation. Promotes bone and joint integrity. Used for the absorption of iron.

Fluoride – Important to dental and bone health. Greatly improves resistance to cavities.

Iodine – Needed in trace amounts for regulation of body temperature, thyroid hormone synthesis, metabolic rate, reproduction, growth, nerve and muscle function, and the prevention of goiter.

Iron – A key player in energy utilization. It is needed for red blood cell production and helps promote oxygen transport.

Magnesium – Promotes a healthy heart and nervous system. It is essential for cell health, preventing muscle cramps, and energy production.

Manganese – Essential for normal bone and skeleton growth. Necessary for normal brain and nerve function. It plays a role in protein and fat metabolism, calcium absorption, and blood sugar regulation.

Molybdenum – A mineral involved in many enzyme processes, nerve function, protein metabolism.

Peas, a member of the legume family, are a great source of manganese and many other essential minerals.

Phosphorus – Aids in the formation of bones and teeth. It plays an important role in the utilization of fats and carbohydrates, and in the synthesis of protein for cell growth and repair.

Potassium – Promotes a healthy nervous system and regular heart rhythm. It is used together with sodium to regulate the body’s water balance mechanisms. Maintains the healthy functioning of the kidneys and skeletal-muscle cells.

Selenium – Helps support and maintain healthy cells. It is an essential trace mineral that is needed to produce a critical antioxidant enzyme that supports red blood cells and cell membranes. Works with vitamin E to help fight free radicals thought to be responsible for cellular damage.

Vanadium – Regulates the circulatory system, helps reduce cholesterol levels and buildup in the central nervous system. Lowers elevated blood sugar levels.

Zinc – An essential mineral for healthy immune function and reproductive health. It is required for protein synthesis and healthy cell function. Adequate zinc levels are needed to help maintain healthy vision, taste, and smell.