Posts Tagged ‘Mineral’

Boron which helps in tumor, cysts. Copper which converts iron into haemoglobin

Boron is considered to be an essential mineral that is used by the plants. Boron is not found alone, it is always found in combination with other chemicals. It is considered to be a non-metallic element. It is absorbed through intestine and excreted in urine. The functions of boron in body include:
- regulate the use of calcium.
- regulate the use of phosphorous.
- regulate the use of magnesium.
- it controls growth of the cells.
- Growth abnormalities are prevented.
The deficiency of boron can result in tumors, cysts and abnormal growth. The main sources of boron are fruits, vegetables like carrots, apples, pears.

Many enzymes constitute of copper and found in combination with many proteins. Copper is absorbed at the duodenum level of intestine. When copper is in excess, it is excreted in bile. The main functions of copper are:
- it converts iron into hemoglobin.
- the growth of red blood cells is stimulated.
- essential mineral for vitamin C.
- part of digestive enzyme.
The deficiency of copper can cause:
- weakness.
- problems in digestion.
- problems in respiration.
- chronic diarrhea which later develops into anemia in infants.
Failure of copper absorption leads to:
- mental retardation
- failure to change hair that has become brittle.
- low concentration in plasma and liver.
- prevent arthritis.
- strengthens muscular system.
Some good sources of copper are molluscs and shellfish, betel leaves arecanuts and other nuts. The content of copper is more in soft water than hard water. Similarly, tap water has a higher copper content than the water in the reservoir, which in turn, is a better source of copper than stream water.
If copper is taken into excess, it can be poisonous and can cause severe vomiting and diarrhea with some abdominal pain.

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Iodine – Important mineral that prevents GOITER

Iodine is one of the first mineral to be recognized as vital for good health. Iodine comes in three forms: calcium iodide, potassium iodide, and sodium iodide. It occurs in a variety of chemical forms, the most important being: iodide (I-); iodate (IO3-), and elemental iodine (I2). The thyroid is a gland that regulates development, growth and metabolism, producing hormones that support most systems within the human body.
Practically, in countries where iodine is lacking in the soil and water, people are suffering from Goiter. Japan is the only country which is free from this disease and this is because of high consumption of seaweed as food.
- Iodine is grayish black in color.
- Iodine, when heated, yield corrosive fumes of a rich violet color.
- Iodine forms an essential component of thyroxine, the main hormone produced by thyroid gland.
- Iodine is absorbed from gastro-intestinal tract into the blood.
- Iodine is concentrated mainly in thyroid gland, where it is stored in the form of thyroglobulin, a complex of protein and iodine.
- When amount of thyroid hormone is serum is decreased, the pituitary gland releases a thyroid-stimulating hormone which causes the thyroid gland to produce more cells and to increase in size in an attempt to manufacture more hormones. This results in enlargement of thyroid gland, which is also called goiter.

FUNCTIONS OF IODINE IN HUMAN BODY

- Iodine is essential in maintaining the function of the thyroid and parathyroid glands in the human body.
- Iodine is essential to the production of thyroxine, a hormone associated with the thyroid gland and proper thyroid functioning.
- Iodine also promotes general growth and development within the body as well as aiding in metabolism.
- Iodine controls the utilization of sugars.
- Iodine regulates the rate of energy production and body weight.
- Iodine increases heart rate and urinary calcium excretion.
- Iodine improves mental alertness.
- Iodine promotes healthy hair, nails, skin, and teeth.
- Iodine is considered very important for breast shape and health.
- Iodine is used to treat eye infections, also iodine protects against UVB radiations.
- Iodine acts as an antioxidant in the blood.

DEFICIENCY SYMPTOMS OF IODINE IN HUMAN BODY

- Cretinism occurs in children whose diet lacks in iodine. A cretin is a dwarfed child who is mentally retarded, enlarged thyroid gland, defective speech and a gait that is clumsy.
- Extreme fatigue.
- Slowing of both physical and mental processes.
- Weight gain, facial puffiness.
- Constipation and lethargy.
- Anemia.
- Slow pulse rate.
Excessive intake of foods like cabbage, cauliflower, and raddish causes iodine deficiency as these foods contain a substance which reacts with the iodine present in food and makes it unsuitable for absorption.

FOOD SOURCES RICH IN IODINE

- Iodized salt.
- Seaweed, yogurt, cow’s milk, mozzarella cheese, eggs and strawberries.
- Cod liver oil.

Iron – Important Element that is necessary for purifying blood

Iron is a mineral found in every cell of the body. Iron is considered an essential mineral because it is needed to make part of blood cells. The hemoglobin content of red blood cells is made up of certain proteins and iron. The normal body of an adult contains about 4 to 5 g of iron.

Iron stores in the liver, spleen, and bone marrow. Small amounts of iron are found in the muscles as myoglobin, as also in the blood serum and in every cell as a constituent of certain enzymes. the stores of iron as well as the iron released from the disintegration of red blood cells available to the body for the synthesis of hemoglobin.

The main sites of absorption are the stomach and the upper part of the small intestine. Absorption of iron is enhanced when there is deficiency of iron in the body or there is need for increased blood formation. Iron is excreted along with the bile, stools, scaling of the skin, and sweating. It is important to take an extra quantity of iron-rich foods during summer to compensate the iron loss.

Hemoglobin is composed of four iron-containing heme groups. The heme is responsible for the characteristic color and the oxygen carrying capacity of the blood. Myoglobin is an oxygen carrying protein containing iron in the muscle tissue is related to blood hemoglobin in both structure and function.

FUNCTION OF IRON IN HUMAN BODY

- Iron is necessary for production of hemoglobin.
- Iron is necessary for brain development and function.
- Iron enables the blood to carry oxygen throughout the body and helps in removing carbon dioxide from tissues.
- Iron increases resistance to stress and disease.
- Iron aids growth and prevents fatigue.
- Iron forms an important part of many proteins and enzymes that help the human body function efficiently.

CAUSES OF IRON DEFICIENCY IN HUMAN BODY

Iron deficiency is caused by:
- Severe blood loss.
- Malnutrition.
- Infections.
- Excessive use of drugs and chemicals.
Severe blood loss can occur due to:
- major injury to blood vessels.
- rupture of aneurysms.
- perforation of internal organs.
- incomplete abortion.
- severe menstrual bleeding.
- repeated pregnancies.
- prolonged breast feeding.
- excessive sweating also reduce the iron content .

DEFICIENCY SYMPTOMS OF IRON IN HUMAN BODY

- Nutritional anemia.
- Lower resistance to disease.
- General run down condition.
- Pale complexion.
- Shortness of breath.
- Loss of interest in sex.
- Mental depression and irritability.
- Mind becomes dull.

FOOD SOURCES RICH IN IRON

- Whole grain cereals.
- Pulses and legumes.
- Fish.
- Green leafy vegetables such as dry lotus stems, cauliflower greens, turnip greens.
- Fruits like black currants, water melons, raisins, and dried dates.
- Enzymes and hydrochloric acid in stomach are needed for proper assimilation of iron.
- Seeds like almonds and brazil nuts.