Day 4 Other minerals
We didn’t list all the minerals you need daily in the Tracker because there are so many! But that doesn’t mean they aren’t important.
Let’s meet some other superstar minerals we need each day!
COPPER
Your body uses copper to make energy and connective tissues. It also supports your immune system, and you need it for brain development. (We think Einstein had just the right amount of copper in his diet.) And you have to be cognizant of balance as taking too much zinc can offset Cu, as can others get out of whack. Look it up to get the scope and the scoop, and stay in balance. there are consequences…
🛒 Good sources: Nuts and seeds, shellfish, whole grains, potatoes, mushrooms, and tofu.
IRON
If you’ve ever been slightly anemic, you’ve probably felt how significant iron is to your energy levels. Your body uses iron to make proteins that carry oxygen from your lungs to your muscles and all parts of your body. It also requires iron for growth and development.
🛒 Good sources: Lean meat, seafood, poultry, white beans, lentils, spinach, kidney beans, peas, and nuts.
PHOSPHORUS
This mineral helps your body make energy and perform vital processes like keeping your blood pH within a normal range. It’s also a key element in your bones, teeth, and cell membranes.
🛒 Good sources: Dairy, whole grains, fish, poultry, eggs, nuts and seeds, legumes, and most veggies.
POTASSIUM
Your body needs potassium for almost everything it does, including muscle contraction and heart and kidney function. Getting too little potassium can increase blood pressure, deplete calcium in your bones, and increase your risk of kidney stones.
🛒 Good sources: Most fruits and veggies, lentils, soybeans, nuts, milk, yogurt, and poultry.
ZINC
Zinc is a good friend to your immune system, helping it fight bad bacteria and viruses. It also supports wound healing and is used to make DNA and proteins in your body.
🛒 Good sources:Oysters, seafood, poultry, meat, beans, nuts, seeds, and dairy.
SODIUM
You’ve probably heard that too much sodium can lead to unhealthy blood pressure levels. That’s true. But it’s also an electrolyte that your body needs a small amount of to conduct nerve impulses, contract and relax muscles, and maintain a good balance of water and minerals. Sodium also plays a role in nutrient digestion.
🛒 Sources: Salt and pickled foods.
➡️ Did you learn anything new about these other minerals?
https://lpi.oregonstate.edu/mic/minerals/sodium
