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Nutrition: The Properties of Minerals and Vitamins

A knowledge of the minerals, vitamins and other substances needed for the human body to function at optimum levels is very useful and worthy of deep study. It has been shown that, probably due to modern intensive farming methods, the levels of vitamins and minerals found in fresh vegetables etc is significantly lower now than they were in the past. These initial lower levels along with over cooking, processing + microwave cooking etc means that it is a challenge in the modern age to eat healthily. Residual pesticides and chemical addictives that increase shelf life or "improve" flavor etc further reduce the nutritional value of the food generally available. For this reason the wise person, avoiding morbid obbsession, takes an interest in the quality of food that they consume.

Nutritional supplements, whilst largely unnecessary in past ages as a general rule, now have a place in the modern diet. Apart from any physical symptoms a diet lacking essential vitamins can effect the mental/psychological and emotional well being as well leading to depression, laziness, agression and poor memory etc etc. On this page I will collect a list of properties for the wide range of minerals and vitamins that are relevent to human wellbeing.

Boron

Properties of Boron:
Boron helps the body retain minerals, such as Calcium and Magnesium.
Boron can help raise low testosterone levels back to normal levels.

Sources of Boron:
Prunes, Raisins, Parsley Flakes, Apples and Almonds.

Calcium

Properties of Calcium:
Calcium maintains strong bones and healthy teeth.
Calcium helps metabolise your body's Iron.
Calcium keeps your heart beating regularly.

Sources of Calcium:

Chlorine

Properties of Chlorine:
Chlorine helps keep you to stay supple.

Sources of Chlorine:

Chromium

Properties of Chromium:
Chromium helps to control the blood's cholesterol levels.
Chromium helps control fat levels.

Sources of Chromium:
Cereals, Fresh fruit, Nuts, Wholemeal flour, Brewer's yeast.

Copper

Properties of Copper:
Copper keeps up your energy by aiding Iron absorption.

Sources of Copper:
Cocoa, Peas, Raisins. Nuts (particularly walnuts, peanuts, Brazil nuts and cashews), pumpkin, sunflower and sesame seeds. Breads and cereals.

Fluorine

Properties of Fluorine:
Fluorine strengthens bones.

Sources of Fluorine:

Iodine

Properties of Iodine:
Iodine
Iodine

Sources of Iodine:
Sea plants such as kelp and seaweed. Fruits and vegetables grown in coastal regions. Iodized salt.

Iron

Properties of Iron:
Iron promotes resistance to disease.
Iron prevents fatigue.

Sources of Iron:
Green (leafy) vegetables, Nuts, Peas, Whole grains, Oat Bran, Apricots.

Magnesium

Properties of Magnesium:
Magnesium promotes a healthy cardio-vascular system.
Magnesium is needed to retain and utilize Calcium in the body.

Sources of Magnesium:
Green leafy vegetables, Nuts, Wholemeal flour.

Manganese

Properties of Manganese:
Manganese helps prevent fatigue.
Manganese aids muscle reflexes.

Sources of Manganese:
Avocados, Nuts, Pulses, Tea, Vegetables, Whole-grain cereals.

Molybdenum

Properties of Molybdenum:
Molybdenum helps in the fight against dental cavities and tooth decay.
Molybdenum helps keep a person alert.
Molybdenum can help prevent impotence.
Molybdenum plays a role in the body's ability to keep blood sugar levels in balance.

Sources of Molybdenum:
Beans, dark green leafy vegetables, legumes, peas, beans, cereals, rice, yeast, whole grains.

Phosphorous

Properties of Phosphorous:
Phosphorous helps the body repair itself.

Sources of Phosphorous:
Most Fruits, Pulses, Vegetables(esp.leafy green).

Potassium

Properties of Potassium:
Potassium assists in reducing blood pressure.

Sources of Potassium:
Cereals, Coffee, Fresh Fruits, Vegetables, Whole-grain flour.

Selenium

Properties of Selenium:
Selenium helps the tissues retain its elasticity.

Sources of Selenium:
Garlic, Whole-grain flour.

Sodium

Properties of Sodium:
Sodium helps your muscles to function.

Sources of Sodium:
Table Salt etc.

Sulphur

Properties of Sulphur:
Sulphur keeps hair, fingernails and skin strong and healthy.
Sulphur helps the body rid itself of toxins.

Sources of Sulphur:
Garlic, cabbage, brussels sprouts, onions, turnips, kale, lettuce, kelp, seaweed and some nuts.

Zinc

Properties of Zinc:
Zinc governs the contractility of muscles.

Sources of Zinc:
Whole-grain flour.



Nutrition is a complex subject as the various substances interact with each other. It is possible to overdose on some vitamins and minerals and caution must be used.

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