Like macrominerals, microminerals make an important part of your nutrition and the daily recommended allowance of these minerals should be consumed in order to maintain a good health. As the first part of their name “micro” suggests, they are required in small quantities by your body and the required intake of each micromineral is less than 100mg per day. They are present in the body cells in extremely small amounts and the total body content of these minerals is less than 5 grams. They include iron, zinc, manganese, copper, selenium, iodine, fluoride, chromium, vanadium, molybdenum, cobalt and nickel.
Iron makes an important micromineral and is required by the body for the synthesis of certain coenzymes, proteins and haemoglobin. The important food sources of iron include liver, spinach and aubergine. Zinc plays a vital role in maintaining your health because it is required for the synthesis of several enzymes such as carbonic anhydrase and carboxypeptidase. It helps manufacture proteins and heal wounds. It is vital to your defence system and neutralises the harmful effects of dangerous free radicals. Moreover, it is important for the sexual health and increases the fertility of your sperms.
Manganese is stored in the pigmented cells of your skin, and eye retina. It is required for the development of the strong bones and muscles. It helps in the synthesis of fats and carbohydrates and processing of oxygen. Some physicians use manganese therapy to treat painful joints, bone disorders and even cancer. The rich food sources of manganese are pulses, avocados, vegetables, nuts and grain cereals. The recommended daily allowance of manganese is 2.5-3.5mg/day.
Copper makes a very important component of many redox enzymes such as cytochrome c oxidase. It helps regulate several hormones and destroy oxygen-free radicals. Important food sources are liver and shellfish. Selenium is required for the peroxidase and helps prevent several types of cancer. Iodine makes an important micromineral and is required in the larger quantities as compared to other microminerals. Not only it helps in the biosynthesis of thyroxine, but is also vital for maintaining a healthy gut, salivary glands and thymus.
Fluoride is another micromineral which is required for maintaining a healthy bone structure. Chromium is required for the sugar metabolism while Vanadium plays a role in the biosynthesis of certain enzymes, although a lot of research is still needed in this regard. Molybdenum is required for the xanthine oxidase and related oxidases and plays a vital role in the male sexual function. Cobalt is required for the biosynthesis of vitamin B-12, while Nickel is present in the urease.
To supply your body with the recommended daily allowance of microminerals, make sure that you use a supplement such as Seven Seas Vegan Multivitamins & Minerals on a regular basis. It makes a wonderful combination of minerals and vitamins which help people to maintain a good health and vitality.
