Road Map For Longevity

Knowing your Vitamins and Minerals

MINERALS

CALCIUM

   FUNCTION: Builds strong bones. Strengthens heart muscle and is necessary for the proper nerve function in the heart. Activates the enzymes that are necessary to convert  the food we eat into energy. Also required for the clotting of blood.

SOURCE: Green leafy vegetables, milk, buttermilk, cheese and yogurt. Dairy products and sardines are also are excellent source.

CHROMIUM

   FUNCTION: Acts in conjunction with insulin to maintain normal glucose levels. May help lower high blood sugar in some individuals. 

   SOURCE: White potatoes, whole grain cereals and seafood.

IRON

   FUNCTION: Manufactures hemoglobin in the red blood cells. Hemoglobin carries oxygen in the red blood cells.

   SOURCE: Red meat and liver, shellfish and all fish. Fortified cereals, Dried apricots and Legumes.

MAGNESIUM

   FUNCTION: Aids in regulating proper heart function. Releases the enzymes that promote body energy. Needed for proper bone growth. Manufactures cells and genetic material.

   SOURCE: Green leafy vegetables. Fortified whole grain cereal and bread. Oysters, scallops,  and most nuts are good sources.

POTASSIUM 

   FUNCTION: Works in conjunction with sodium in regulating body fluid balances. Plays a very important function in regulating the heartbeat. Also needed for proper nerve conduction. The body requires potassium so that muscles can be contracted.

   SOURCE: Bananas, citrus fruits and dried fruits. Deep yellow vegetables, potatoes, avocados, legumes and milk are also excellent sources.

SELENIUM

   FUNCTION: Acts in conjunction with vitamin E and is important in preventing the breakdown of cells.

   SOURCE: Eggs, cereals, grains, mushrooms, garlic, poultry and seafood.

SODIUM 

   FUNCTION: A necessary element in maintaining body fluids.

   SOURCE: Sodium is found in a great many foods. It is difficult avoiding too high an amount in our daily diet. Foods that are extremely high in sodium are; salt cured meats, chips, salted crackers, soy sauce and foods that are pickled in brine.

ZINC

   FUNCTION: Fights disease by helping to boost the immune system. It is found in more than 100 enzymes and proteins. These enzymes and proteins are the necessary components for digestion. Other bodily functions also functions also require  zinc.

   SOURCE: Wheat germ, wheat bran and whole grains. Some seafood’s and oysters. Red meat and poultry are excellent sources.

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