What Are Mineral Salts And Where Do You Find Them?
The human body is a wonderful system that is in perfect harmony. However, when you don’t take care of it, it reacts in a certain way. So let us know what it likes and what doesn’t. One of the things the body loves are mineral salts.
They help your body function in the perfect way. In this article we take a closer look at mineral salts. We also give you a list of foods that contain these salts.
What are mineral salts?
Mineral salts are the inorganic molecules that occur in living organisms as sediments, ionized particles, or particles attached to a molecule.
- The salts that appear as sediment form hard structures that protect you if you own them. They also perform regulatory functions.
- The ionized minerals become positively or negatively charged when they dissolve in water. This helps, for example, to reduce the effects of changes in acidity.
- Finally, there are the salts that are attached to a molecule. They are made to perform a specific function that the molecule cannot perform on its own.
Why are mineral salts important?
The function of mineral salts has to do with the growth and health of the human body in general. Their main purpose is to enable certain chemical processes. They also form structures that your body needs.
In addition, mineral salts are responsible for the formation of human tissues. They also play a role in making hormones and regulating certain organic functions.
These are some of the best-known mineral salts:
- Sodium
- Calcium
- Iron
- Magnesium
- Potassium
- Phosphorus
Like vitamins, mineral salts contain no calories. However, this doesn’t mean you shouldn’t keep an eye on how much you take in. You, on the other hand, have to keep the quantities under control.
The main functions of mineral salts
Sodium
Sodium helps to balance the fluids in the body both inside and outside the cells. It also helps to create and transmit nerve impulses and the correct response in the muscle stimulus. A lack of sodium can cause fatigue.
Calcium
This mineral salt performs various functions in the human body. It forms part of your bones and your teeth and keeps them healthy. In addition, the presence of calcium is very important for your blood to clot properly.
- Not taking enough calcium can cause your hair and nails to become brittle.
- It can also cause memory loss and also increase the risk of osteoporosis.
Iron
Iron allows the formation of hemoglobin. That is a protein that contains red blood cells. It ensures that the oxygen reaches your tissues.
Magnesium
Magnesium plays a role in nerve transmission and muscle relaxation. In addition, it ensures a good balance between acids and bases.
A deficiency of this mineral can have the following consequences, among others:
- An irregular heartbeat
- General fatigue
- muscle cramps
- Feelings of Anxiety
Potassium
Potassium is a fundamental mineral salt for your body. That has to do with the functions it performs. For example, it regulates the moisture inside and outside your cells. It does this along with sodium which is essential for proper human growth.
These are the consequences of a potassium deficiency:
- Dry skin
- A dry mouth
- General attenuation
Phosphorus
Phosphorus is one of the main components responsible for the formation of bones and teeth. These mineral salts therefore play an important role. They determine the way your body uses carbohydrates and fats.
Without phosphorus you can suffer from the following conditions:
- Insomnia
- Fatigue
- nervousness
Foods that contain a lot of mineral salts
- Calcium is mainly found in dairy products such as yogurt, cheese and milk.
- Potassium is present in fruits. This mineral salt is useful for muscle activity. Bananas are therefore very beneficial for muscle cramps. You can also find potassium in legumes, meat, fish and even chocolate.
- You can absorb iron by eating organ meats, fish, cocoa, legumes, egg yolks or grains in general.
- Magnesium can be found in some of the products we have already mentioned. It is present in wheat germ, walnuts, legumes, chocolate and whole wheat bread.
- Phosphorus can be obtained from any type of fat, such as from meat or fish.
Mineral salts are necessary for your body to work properly. Just like vitamins, you need to take the right amount of these minerals on a daily basis.
So take a close look at your daily diet. If it doesn’t contain the products we recommended, then you should add them. Take advantage of the benefits they have to offer you.
