Posts Tagged ‘Essential’

Silicon – The Beauty Mineral – Non Metallic Element

Silicon is an essential trace mineral. Minute amounts of silicon are present in the tissues and the actual amount required by the body is not determined yet. Silicon is a widely distributed non-metallic element. It comes second only to oxygen in abundance in the biosphere. Pure silicon is found in form of white crystals in matured bamboo stems. This mineral and its salts are poorly soluble in water.

SILICON FUNCTIONS IN BODY

- Silicon is essential for the proper functioning of nerve cells and tissues.
- Silicon is essential for the synthesis of vitamin B1 or thiamine in the human body.
- Silicon controls the transmission of nerve impulses.
- Silicon contributes to the strength and integrity of bones everywhere in the body.
- Silicon is also essential for the growth of hair, nails, and teeth, and is therefore, often called the beauty mineral.
- Silicon makes eyes bright and protects the skin from becoming flabby.
- Silicon is beneficial in all healing processes and protects the body against many diseases, such as tuberculosis, irritations in the mucous membranes, and skin disorders.

SILICON DEFICIENCY SYMPTOMS IN BODY

- Silicon deficiency in human beings can lead to soft brittle nails.
- Silicon deficiency in human beings can lead to ageing symptoms of the skin such as wrinkles, thinning or loss of hair.
- Silicon deficiency in human beings can lead to poor bone development, osteoporosis.
- Main symptom of silicon deficiency is sensitiveness to cold; one always feels cold even in the hot months.
- Silicon deficiency in animals can lead to retarded growth and abnormal bone development.

FOOD SOURCES OF SILICON

The main food sources of silicon are:
- Fruits like apples, oranges, cherries.
- Raisins, Almonds, Peanuts, Endives, Honey.
- Raw cabbage, Onions, Carrots, Eggplants, Pumpkin, Red beets, Celery, Cucumber, Fish and Corn.
- An increased need for silicon is best met by increasing the consumption of whole grains, because they are rich sources of absorb ale silicon.

Toxicity of silicon can lead to :
- Chronic fibrosis of lungs.
- Reckless use of silicon cause irreparable damage.
- Advice of physician is recommended.

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Sodium – Indispensable for Life – Properties, Sources, Deficiency Symptoms, Healing Properties

Sodium is a mineral that is present only in small quantities in most natural foods, but salt is added, often in large amounts, in food processing and by cooks to enhance flavor. Sodium is an essential mineral or micronutrient found in the bones as well as the fluid surrounding cells.

PHYSICAL & CHEMICAL PROPERTIES OF SODIUM
- Sodium is silver white in color.
- Sodium is highly reactive.
- Sodium is alkaline in nature.
- Sodium is soft and malleable.
- Sodium is found inside the body and outside in the combination with other elements.
- Sodium is usually taken in the form of sodium chloride.
- Sodium is absorbed from gastro-intestinal tract but substantial losses may occur due to vomiting and diarrhea.
- Sodium balance is controlled by hormone aldosterone which is secreted by adrenal gland.
- Increased amounts of aldosterone are secreted when the need for sodium increases which increases the re-absorption of sodium ions by kidney.

HOW DOES SODIUM FUNCTION IN BODY ?

- Sodium acts with other electrolytes especially potassium to regulate the osmotic pressure and maintain proper water balance.
- Sodium is vital component of nerves as it stimulates muscle contraction.
- Heart contraction is maintained.
- It helps in glucose absorption.
- It helps in transportation of other nutrients across cell membranes.
- It relaxes muscles.
- Important in the distribution of water in the body.
- It helps in maintenance of fluid volume in the vessels and tissues.
- Sodium helps in brain functioning.
- Sodium is an important hydrating product of anti-aging creams.

DEFICIENCY SYMPTOMS

Deficiency of sodium is caused by:
- excessive sweating.
- prolonged use of diuretics or chronic diarrhea.
Deficiency of sodium may lead to:
- nausea.
- muscular weakness.
- heat exhaustion.
- mental apathy.
- low blood pressure.
- muscle cramps.
- dizziness.
- weakness.
- lethargy.
Overdose of sodium causes high blood pressure, swelling of brain nerves and cerebral edema. If it worsens, it can even lead to comma.

SOURCES OF SODIUM

Some of the important sources of sodium are apple, common salt, homemade soups, cabbage, egg yolks, pulses, bananas. Even, carrot, baking powder and baking soda, turnips, leafy vegetables and dried peas are some of the essential sources. Processed cheese, smoked fish and salty meats, snacks, pickles and sauce contains ample amount of sodium.

VALINE – Essential Amino Acids that prevents nervous disorders.

CHARACTERISTICS OF VALINE

- Valine is an essential amino acid.
- Valine is not produced by the body so it has to be given through dietary sources.
- Valine is the member of branched chain family of amino acid.
- Valine is hydrophobic.
- Valine is needed for proper performance of the nervous system.
- Valine intake prevents nervous and digestive disorders.
- Valine encourages normal growth, tissue repair and maintaining blood sugar.
- Valine help to prevent loss of muscle tissue in patients with diabetes.
- Valine helps to prevent loss of muscle tissue in patients with diabetes.
- Valine may help treat malnutrition associated with drug addiction.
- Valine is also helpful in synthesis of glucose in liver especially during anaerobic activities.
- Valine helps to maintain nitrogen balance in body.
- Valine helps in treating liver and gallbladder disease.

DIETARY SOURCES OF VALINE

The main food sources of valine are :
- Leafy vegetables
- Finger millet
- Rice and other cereals
- Kidney beans
- Legumes and pulses
- Piyal seeds
- Pistachio
- Cashew nuts
- Peaches
- Poultry
- Cottage cheese

IMPORTANT NOTE

- The lack of valine makes a person sensitive to touch and sound.
- An excess of valine can give rise to hallucinations and a interrupt liver function.

Valine intake as a part of the amino acid combination of phenylalanine-valine-methionine-tryptophan in the ratio of 3:2:2:1, taken in 4g doses prior to meals, results in decreased food intake in 50 percent of obese women.