Newsletters: November-December 2009
Trace Minerals
Natural Times November/December 2009
By Chris Terrell, Merchandising Manager
This issue I will be reviewing micro minerals, also known as trace minerals. These include boron, chromium, copper, germanium, iodine, iron, manganese, molybdenum, selenium, silicon, sulfur, vanadium and zinc. Since we only have so much space, I will review a couple of the well-researched micro minerals. (Please note that in the last issue I listed iron as a macro mineral, when in fact, it is considered a micro mineral.)
Chromium is involved in glucose metabolism and is necessary for the production of energy as well as being necessary for the utilization of fats and protein. It is also beneficial for the stabilization of blood sugar.
People who are chromium deficient can experience anxiety and fatigue along with possible glucose intolerance. Beef, brewer’s yeast, brown rice, turkey and fish are all good sources of chromium.
Selenium is best known for its interaction with vitamin E as a powerful antioxidant. It also prevents the oxidation of fats by being part of glutathione peroxidase. Deficiencies in selenium have been associated with heart disease and cancer. Other effects of selenium deficiency include exhaustion, impairment of the liver and pancreas, and issues with proper growth and development. Brazil nuts are an excellent source of selenium. Other sources include brewer’s yeast, broccoli, chicken, dairy products, garlic, molasses, seafood and whole grains. The amount of selenium in your food will depend on the amount that is in the soil—selenium concentrations can vary a great deal from region to region.
Zinc is necessary for proper growth of the reproductive organs and for prostate function. It is also necessary for bone formation, beneficial for the immune system and is essential for brain development. A deficiency of zinc has been linked to depression-like symptoms in rats. It is also useful for wound healing and protein synthesis. Oysters are higher in zinc per serving than any other food. Other good sources include whole grains, dairy products, poultry, red meat, beans and nuts.
