Introduction to the Macro Minerals
Macro minerals play a substantial role in our lives. They are the building blocks of life. The macro minerals include calcium, phosphorus, sulfur, potassium, sodium, chloride, and magnesium. These minerals are found in the greatest abundance in the diet and are found in the highest amounts in the body.
Calcium, phosphorus, and magnesium play a large role in the formation and structure of bones. Bones function as a storage pool for these minerals from which the rest of the body can draw as needed. Calcium has important functions in addition to bone structure. Calcium is needed for muscular contractions and blood
clotting. On the other hand, magnesium is vital for muscle relaxation. A third macro mineral, phosphorus, is an integral part of cell membranes.
Potassium, sodium, and chloride are needed to form the electrolyte solutions that bathe our tissues. These electrolytes balance the amount of water in the cells and in the blood plasma. These minerals also work as blood buffers to help keep the blood neutral in acidity. Many Americans could use more calcium and agnesium in their diet.
However, Americans generally receive too much sodium and chloride in their diet; this can be partly attributed to the large amount of processed foods consumed. Phosphorus and sulfur levels in the American diet seem to be adequate. These macro minerals need to be eaten in balanced amounts in the diet to maintain good health and to prevent disease.
More about Macro Minerals:
Macro minerals play a substantial role in our lives. They are the building blocks of life. The macro minerals include calcium, phosphorus, sulfur, potassium, sodium, chloride, and magnesium. These minerals are found in the greatest abundance in the diet and are found in the highest amounts in the body.
Calcium, phosphorus, and magnesium play a large role in the formation and structure of bones. Bones function as a storage pool for these minerals from which the rest of the body can draw as needed. Calcium has important functions in addition to bone structure. Calcium is needed for muscular contractions and blood
clotting. On the other hand, magnesium is vital for muscle relaxation. A third macro mineral, phosphorus, is an integral part of cell membranes.
Potassium, sodium, and chloride are needed to form the electrolyte solutions that bathe our tissues. These electrolytes balance the amount of water in the cells and in the blood plasma. These minerals also work as blood buffers to help keep the blood neutral in acidity. Many Americans could use more calcium and agnesium in their diet.
However, Americans generally receive too much sodium and chloride in their diet; this can be partly attributed to the large amount of processed foods consumed. Phosphorus and sulfur levels in the American diet seem to be adequate. These macro minerals need to be eaten in balanced amounts in the diet to maintain good health and to prevent disease.
More about Macro Minerals:
0 comments