Mineral Supplements and Their Role in Health and Fitness.

There are two categories of minerals required by the human
body.

Both categories play a part in building bones, teeth, cells
and enzymes, regulating the balances of bodily fluids and
nerve responses, delivering oxygen to cells and removing
carbon dioxide.

The Major Minerals.

These are calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, sodium, sulphur,
and chlorides and they all are needed in larger amounts of
more than 250 milligrams each day.

The Trace Minerals.

Copper, chromium, fluoride, iodine, iron, manganese,
molybdenum, selenium, and zinc. These minerals although
essential to maintaining the efficiency of the body are
only required in small amounts of less than 20 milligrams
per day. As most people today do not have diets that
regularly provide a sufficient and balanced amount of
vitamins and minerals needed by the body, the correct
supplements can make up the shortfall to help keep us in
trim.

Just remember that the body has many other requirements for
health and to keep disease at bay, such as fibre for
digestion, anti oxidants and not to forget protein,
carbohydrates and fats so do not be too tempted to rely on
supplements.

A good balanced diet will still be important.

Unless otherwise recommended by a qualified medical
practitioner a reliable multivitamin/mineral supplement
that provides a balance 100% of each days requirement (%DV)
of all the minerals and vitamins should be taken with the
exception of calcium which should be taken separately
otherwise the tablets would be too large.

Do not be tempted too go for supplements with a higher than
100%DV for one or more of the minerals or vitamins as this
can lead to an adverse effect.

In the U.S. look out for the U.S. Pharmacopeia (USP) on the
label indicating that the product meets their standards.

In most other countries there will be an identification to
indicate that acceptable standards have been complied with.
Read the labels, stick to the recommended dose, comply with
the storage advice and the expiration dates and don't
forget to keep out of reach of children. Keeping fit is the
path to health, wealth and happiness. Addendum.

This is an example of the importance to the body of just
one trace mineral: - Copper.

Although the body requires only very small amounts of
copper, it plays an important role in many of our essential
functions.

Traces of copper are found in peas beans and other pulses,
artichokes, bananas mushrooms, nuts tomatoes, potatoes, and
in slightly larger amounts in liver and oysters.

As it is unlikely that substantial amounts of these healthy
foods are going to feature in most people's daily diet it
would not be unexpected that the body's daily requirement
of copper is not being met.

The body uses copper to produce certain enzymes and
antioxidants, proteins such as collagen, which is vital in
building bones, skin and connective nerve and other tissue.

It is involved in red blood cell production, the immune
system, fertility and the production of melanin, found in
the hair, skin and eyes.

A deficiency of copper may be linked to osteoporosis,
increased risk of heart disease and cancer.

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Jaks Lloyd is a former photographic fashion model. She now
lives in Spain and indulges her creative talents by writing
and building innovative authority websites.
http://www.hotexercise.com

Antioxidant Vitamins

Did you know that cardiovascular disease is the leading cause
of death for African-American men and women? This disease
claims the lives of over 100,000 annually. Perhaps due to this
alarming number, many of the scientific researches recently
conducted in the US have been focused on how antioxidant
vitamins may reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease.

Studies have shown that antioxidant vitamins, such as vitamin
E, vitamin C, and beta carotene (a form of vitamin A), have
potential health-promoting properties. The data on antioxidant
vitamins is incomplete, but up to 30 percent of Americans are
already taking some form of antioxidant vitamin supplement
along with their diet.

Due to the lack of sufficient data to support the success of
antioxidant supplements versus cardiovascular and other
degenerative illnesses, the American Heart Association does not
yet recommend using antioxidant vitamins supplements. That does
not mean, however, that we should cut back on our intake of
antioxidants.

Some of the basic food groups that prove to be rich sources of
antioxidant vitamins are the following:

* Breads, cereals, pasta, and starchy vegetables (such as
potatoes, yam, squash, etc.)
* Fruits and vegetables
* Fat-free milk and low-fat dairy products
* Lean meat, fish, and poultry

Eating these foods not only allows you to ingest a high level
of natural antioxidant vitamins, but keeps you from gaining
weight. Eating a variety of foods low in saturated fat and
cholesterol provides a rich natural source of antioxidant
vitamins, minerals, and fiber.

But what exactly do antioxidant vitamins do?

Because we live in an atmosphere that contains oxygen, oxygen
radicals are everywhere. Oxidation is a process that occurs
naturally in the body. A natural consequence of it are the
radical particles that have been dubbed "free radicals."

Scientists point to these so-called free radicals as the
culprits when it comes to most degenerative diseases. Free
radicals are blamed for even the simplest of illnesses, such as
colds. There is an increasing body of evidence that oxidative
stress is linked to many diseases such as cardiovascular
disease, cancer, diabetes, neurological disorders, cataracts,
and arthritis. Our strongest defenses against these harmful
free radicals are antioxidant vitamins which are contained in
the foods that we eat.

About The Author: David Williams writes for several popular web
sites, including http://depek.com and http://becid.com