Category: Essential minerals

Approximately 99% of the body's calcium is stored in our bones and teeth, making it the most abundant mineral in the human body. Can humans live without calcium? The unequivocal answer is no, as this mineral is essential for a wide array of critical physiological functions beyond just supporting the skeletal structure.

The human body requires a delicate balance of minerals for survival, with recent data showing that many individuals consume inadequate levels of essential nutrients. Among the most critical for overall health are calcium and iron, two very important minerals that power fundamental biological processes from bone formation to oxygen transport.

Approximately 80% of the body's phosphorus, also known as phosphate, is found in the skeleton, making it a critical component for bone and teeth health. Fortunately, a wide variety of delicious and nutritious vegan foods are high in phosphate, making it easy to incorporate into a plant-based diet.

Manganese is a trace mineral, meaning your body requires it in small quantities for numerous critical functions. This essential nutrient is vital for processes ranging from cellular protection against oxidative stress to supporting bone formation and nutrient metabolism.

According to the National Institutes of Health, iodine is a mineral, not a vitamin, that is a required element for the body to function properly. The misconception about its classification is common, but understanding the difference is key to appreciating its vital role in human health.

According to the World Health Organization, iodine deficiency affects an estimated two billion people worldwide and is the leading preventable cause of intellectual disabilities. Understanding **which foods have high iodine content** is crucial for maintaining proper thyroid function and overall health.

According to the National Institutes of Health, selenium is an essential trace mineral that the body needs to stay healthy. This raises a common question: is selenium an essential amino acid, or does it serve a different biological function entirely?.

Although needed in extremely small "trace" amounts, microminerals are inorganic nutrients critical for overall health and development. Understanding what are the functions of microminerals is key to appreciating their role in countless bodily processes, from cellular metabolism to immune defense.

Over 99% of the body's calcium is stored in our bones and teeth, providing them with structure and hardness. While this makes calcium synonymous with bone health, this essential mineral is also necessary for a wide array of other crucial bodily functions, from muscle movement to blood clotting.

Manganese is a trace mineral that our bodies require in small amounts for proper functioning. While many confuse it with the more common magnesium, manganese is an essential nutrient that plays a crucial role in activating enzymes, supporting metabolism, and protecting cells from damage.