Sodium: we know we should avoid too much, but why, exactly, and how much is too much?  What about low sodium, is that a problem? This week, we will take a closer look at this essential mineral to understand what it does in our bodies and why we should pay attention to it. 

Molybdenum is another metallic mineral essential for human health.  You may not have heard of it, and this is because molybdenum deficiency has never been documented in healthy individuals, and is extraordinarily rare besides.  Current research is looking into the role molybdenum may play in cancer treatment and it is currently being used in the treatment of copper overload.  Let’s learn a bit more shall we? 

Is this a typo or a repeat of last week?  Nope, manganese is a distinct nutrient despite having a name quite similar to magnesium.  Let’s take a look at this nutrient that is found in multivitamins and is essential for health but is rarely talked about. 

Are you getting enough magnesium? If not, you’re not alone. Fewer than half of the U.S. population meets their RDA for this important mineral that is needed for over 300 different processes necessary for healthy function. Low levels are associated with a significantly increased risk for developing chronic health issues including heart disease and diabetes!

You have probably heard of iodized salt – salt that has had iodine added in – but do you know why iodine is added or where iodine comes from? Let’s explore these questions together. Along the way, we will learn a bit more about thyroids, who is at risk for iodine deficiency, what the research says about taking extra iodine, and how much iodine we need.

Copper is another trace metal that is essential to life. This is the same copper you would see in home decor, jewelry, and wiring. In the body, it plays roles in energy production; iron metabolism; bone, tooth, and connective tissue formation; nervous system function; and oxidative stress.

Chromium, like all minerals, is found in the Earth’s crust where it makes its way into plants and then animals. Unlike vitamins, minerals are not created by living organisms, but like vitamins, minerals are essential for life. Chromium is a trace metal that our bodies seemingly use to aid insulin in moving glucose from our blood into our cells for the creation of energy.

Calcium is the most abundant mineral in our body. We store most (~99%) of it in our bones and teeth as hydroxyapatite, a large molecule that combines calcium, phosphorus, and oxygen.

The remaining small amount circulates through our body. This circulating calcium plays many important roles, including constricting or relaxing our blood vessels, sending nerve impulses, contracting and relaxing our muscles, and releasing hormones like insulin when they are needed. Calcium even plays several key roles in our blood clotting along with Vitamin K!

Unfortunately, calcium is a nutrient of concern with a significant portion of our population not eating enough.

When considering a whole-foods-plant-based diet, nuts and seeds are one of our most abundant sources of healthy essential fats.  A small handful goes a long way to increasing your health and sustaining your energy, and they are non-perishable and easily transported convenience food.

Grains: without them civilization as we know it may have never fully developed. The story of human history is tightly entwined with that of grains. From the gathering, processing, and storing of small grass seeds to the plump, full cereals of today, we and grains have grown and evolved together.

Vitamins and minerals are natural substances found in food that are needed for life, development, and healing. This week we will touch on the diseases that can result from severe deficiency of each of the major vitamins and minerals as well as a few additional essential nutrients.