What are Trace Minerals? How do they benefit your health?

Most people know that minerals are important to their health (calcium, magnesium, potassium, etc.) but what about the minerals that are only needed in very small amounts.

There is a difference between minerals and trace minerals (also called -trace elements). The difference is how much does the body require daily for optimum performance.

If the body requires more than 100 milligrams the substance is called a mineral. If the body requires less than this, it is called a trace mineral. Trace minerals are generally needed in quantities of only a few milligrams (mg) or micrograms (mcg) per day.

There are 7 essential Minerals are: calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, sodium, potassium, chloride & sulfur

There are many more trace minerals.

Trace minerals are crucial for many body functions including the transporting of oxygen to the cells, normalizing the nervous system and the growth, maintenance and repair of tissue and bones. Trace minerals provide the foundation of DNA, all proteins and even enzymes.

Here are a few examples of the value of trace minerals:

• Chromium aids in glucose metabolism regulates blood sugar and is part of the glucose tolerance factor.
• Cobalt is needed in the formation of red blood cells and vitamins B-12
• Copper is essential to the formation of red blood cells and connective tissues. It contributes to nervous system function.
• Iodine is needed to support metabolism.
• Iron is necessary to red blood cell formation and for the transport of oxygen. It is important to brain function.
• Manganese is needed for the enzymes and supports brain function. It is part of the bone structure.
• Selenium is important in the detoxification of heavy metals, such as mercury. It is needed for the production of antibodies by the immune system. It is needed for teeth.
• Zinc: Essential part of 200 enzymes involved in digestion, metabolism, reproduction, wound healing and the immune response.

What are the benefits of trace minerals?

Trace minerals can increase energy levels, improve concentration, increase mental clarity, promote an increased sense of wellbeing, and promote anti-aging due to recovery nutrients. They balance, restore and rejuvenate cell life. They support a healthy thyroid gland. They boost the immune system, increase circulation, increase endurance, and acts as a catalyst for enzymatic reactions. They cleanse, neutralize and help in liver detoxification. They help oxygenate the blood. They support balanced hormone levels.

Two Trace Minerals Linked to Living to 100 Years Old

Researchers are always interested in what helps people to increase their life expectancy, including what nutrients might help us to get to old age. There was one study done that looked to determine the link between trace minerals and living a healthy, long life.

The study looked at data from healthy Chinese people who were living over the age of 100. They did a hair analysis of these healthy “centenarians,” and looked at the levels of trace minerals in their body. These minerals included things like chromium, selenium, zinc, iron, copper, and others.

The results of the study showed that of all the trace minerals, only two were in the normal range. And which were they?

People over 100 have two trace minerals in common: Zinc and copper.

All of the other trace minerals in the study were either increased or decreased from the normal range. These results suggest that zinc and copper both might play a useful role in keeping people healthy as they age and live longer.

Why are these trace minerals so helpful for longevity?

This study showed us that people who’ve lived a longer life than most have healthy levels of zinc and copper. The role of these minerals in a certain enzyme just might be one of the mechanisms behind that finding.

Zinc and copper work together in an enzyme called SOD. This stands for superoxide dismutase. The enzyme is a special one that is involved in longevity. It helps our body to stay healthy over time and to stay healthy longer.

And on top of that, both zinc and copper have lots of health benefits. Your body doesn’t need super high levels of them (that is why they are called “trace” minerals – they are only needed in small amounts), but without them, your health will definitely suffer.

Let’s take a closer look at both of these trace elements and how they can help you live a healthier, longer life.

1. Zinc

What does it do? Zinc is involved in over 2,000 enzymes in the body, meaning it is central to many different functions that our body carries out every single day. It is also involved in DNA synthesis and repair. And as we know, longevity has everything to do with the ability to repair.

In addition, zinc protects the liver against poisons, prevents the buildup of amyloid plaque, and so much more. It plays a role in our skin, immune system, digestion, and more. It is also one of the top 2 trace minerals for depression.

Unfortunately, 2 billion people on this planet are deficient in zinc. Most of us need much more to be in the healthy range.

Good food sources shellfish, seafood, cooked oysters, dark meat turkey, beef, lamb, eggs, nuts, yogurt, fish, sardines, crab, eel, lobster, legumes, lima beans, liver, mushrooms, pecans, pumpkin & sunflower seeds, poultry, lentils, pumpkin seeds, azuki beans, avocadoes, green peas, hemp seeds, parmesan cheese, spinach, wheat germ

2. Copper

What does it do? Like zinc, copper is a cofactor for many different enzymes. This means that enzymes need it to complete all their jobs properly – the jobs that help us to live a healthy life.

Copper also helps make neurotransmitters, supports the growth of the fetus, and helps form collagen and connective tissue. Without it, we can get issues with our joints and ligaments, get anemia, lose our vision, have neurodegeneration, and so much more.

Again, this is a mineral that is vital for living a long life and a healthy one. Without it, problems start to pile up over time.

Good food sources of copper   Oysters, meats, organ meats, leafy green vegetables, and mushrooms. Shellfish, nuts, seeds, cocoa powder, beans, calves liver, avocados, barley, beets, broccoli, lentils, oats, oranges, radishes, raisins, salmon, green leafy vegetables and wheatgrass.

Key takeaways

Researchers have shown us that people who are living over the age of 100 have a few things in common. One of them is that they have two trace minerals in healthy amounts. People over 100 have two trace minerals in common – Zinc & Copper

Look to eat more foods to boost your intake. You can also try out my trace mineral drops as a dietary supplement.

Doing so might just increase your life span.

References
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0048969711000544?via%3Dihub 

What trace mineral supplement should you take?

Not all trace minerals are the same. You don’t want rocks that your body can’t absorb or use. You want plant-based trace minerals.

Rocks (minerals) in the soil break down so the plants can absorb them turning them into something your body can absorb and use. They are called organic minerals or plant minerals. The plant-based minerals are 10,000 times smaller than rock minerals and thus can be absorbed by the body.

A lot of minerals sold today are rock-based. You want plant-based minerals.

Most soil is depleted of these minerals thus you don’t get it in the food you eat. In countries with mineral-rich soils, we see lower disease rates and low obesity.

RECOMMENDED:

Dr. Berg’s Trace Minerals, Enhanced

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