FOOD MINERAL

Selenium and cancer

noreply@blogger.com (Solomon) — Tue, 22 May 2012 02:18:00 PDT

Selenium is a trace element, which was discovered in 1817 by the Swedish chemist Berzelius.

One of the most effective naturally occurring weapons against cancer is, like most healthy things, something many of us are not getting enough of.

The mineral selenium has been shown in multiple studies to be an effective tool in warding off various types of cancer, including breast, esophageal, stomach, liver and bladder cancers.

Supplementation with selenium has been found to decrease the risk of prostate cancer.

Selenium is in the selenocysteine part of the enzyme glutathione peroxidase, which detoxifies hydrogen peroxide and lipoperoxidases. Thus it is part of the antioxidative defense against free- radical damage generated by oxygen metabolism.

It was reported that daily supplementation of 200 micrograms of selenium can reduced the recurrence of a number of cancer types.

Not many people get the recommended dose of 200 micrograms a day. Most Americans only get between 60 and 100 micrograms of selenium daily from dietary sources. That means daily supplements might be worth considering.

Selenium was first used in conventional medicine as a treatment for dandruff, but our understanding of the mineral has come a long way since then.

Recent studies have found that’s selenium can play a significant rile in decreasing the incidence of tumors in experimenting animals.

Today, research shows selenium, especially when used in conjunction with vitamin C, vitamin E and beta-carotene, works to block chemical reactions that create free radicals in the body (which can damage DNA and cause degenerative change in cells, leading to cancer).

Selenium also helps stop damaged DNA molecules from reproducing.

It contributes towards the death of cancerous and pre-cancer cells. Their death appears to occur before they replicate, thus helping stop cancer before it gets started.

In one study, showed that populations in areas with low selenium in the soil have been found to have higher cancer incidence.
Selenium and cancer

Cadmium in human diet

noreply@blogger.com (Solomon) — Mon, 21 May 2012 18:03:48 PDT

Food is recognized as the major source of cadmium in humans, except in comparatively rare cases of occupational air exposure. The recommended upper limit for cadmium in food is 75.0 ug/day.

It is widely distributed in nature: oyster, seafood, and grains are rich sources; it also can be obtained from air and the water supply.

About 6% of the cadmium ingested in food and beverages is absorbed by the human body. Higher dietary levels of calcium and protein need to increase cadmium absorption.

Most of the absorbed cadmium is retained in the kidneys bound to a metal-binding, high sulfhydryl protein, metallothionein.

The essentiality of cadmium in humans remains to be established. Nutritional requirements, if they exist, are very low and easily met by the levels in food and drinks.

There was a study that regular high doses of cadmium caused increased blood pressure, with pressure returning to normal when the cadmium treatment ceased.

Study also found elevated cadmium levels associated with atherosclerosis, an increase in heart size and reduced kidney function.

Cadmium in human diet

Deficiency of boron

noreply@blogger.com (Solomon) — Fri, 11 May 2012 19:45:25 PDT

Born is found in many tissues; however, bone contains the most. It is non metallic trace element, It is found abundantly in nature as compounds formed in combination with sodium and oxygen.

Bone, nails, hair and teeth exhibit the highest concentrations. Blood levels appear to be subject to homeostatic control.

Boron appears to either directly or indirectly affect the metabolism of calcium in bone and influences the composition and strength of bone.

Many findings has been suggested that inadequate dietary boron may one factor than enhances the susceptibility of bone loss and osteoporosis because of the mineral’s possible effect on calcium metabolism.

Feeding low boron to humans with <0.3 mg/day altered the metabolism of macrominerals, electrolytes and nitrogen as well as oxidative metabolism and produces changes in erythropoiesis and hematopoiesis.

Deficiency of boron

Functions of boron in human

noreply@blogger.com (Solomon) — Sun, 06 May 2012 06:31:30 PDT

Boron is found in a variety of foods. Beer, cider and wine make a respectable contribution of human boron intake. Boron appears in foods primarily as sodium borate and boric acid, two forms that seem to be readily absorbed.

The human requirement for boron is estimated to be between 0.3 and 1 milligram per day - an amount easily consumed though a normal diet.

Boron is found in many tissues; however, bone contains the most. Boron has been shown to replace iron in some of its functions, particularly in the healing of wounds.

Boron appears to either directly or indirectly affect the metabolism of calcium in bone and influence the composition and strength of bone.

In situations where the body receives an adequate supply of calcium but has deficient magnesium resources, boron seems to actively substitute for magnesium during the process of bone formation.

Boron needs are increased during a vitamin D deficiency.

Boron has the ability to reduce the urinary excretion of calcium and magnesium. It preserve calcium in the body, while decreasing urinary losses of calcium, through its actions on the kidneys.

Functions of boron in human

Aluminum in human body

noreply@blogger.com (Solomon) — Sat, 28 Apr 2012 07:47:10 PDT

Largely as a result of the insolubility of most aluminum compounds, this element is normally poorly absorbed through the lungs, skin and gastrointestinal tract.

Most aluminum is food passes through the gut without being absorbed. Absorption is prevented by the presence of silicon, appears to be encouraged by citric acid since this forms a soluble compound with aluminum.

Aluminum is added to food as a firming agent, a leavening agent, emulsifier and stabilizer and to control pH.

Aluminum sulfate and alums are commonly used to treat municipal water supplies which have a high colloidal or suspended natter content.

The total aluminum concentration in the human body is 9 ppm (dry mass). In some organs, specifically spleen, kidneys and lung concentration up to 100 ppm (dry mass) may exist. Increased aluminum may also cause osteomalacia.

It is also believed that aluminum could play a role in the cause of leukemia, and some cancer. There is also a debate as to whether aluminum is a causative agent of some forms of Alzheimer’s disease.

Aluminum in human body

Chromium

noreply@blogger.com (Solomon) — Sun, 22 Apr 2012 22:40:28 PDT

Processed meats, whole grain products, ready to eat bran cereals, green beans, broccoli and spices are relatively rich in chromium.

Food processing and refining can affect the chromium content of foods. Refining of sugar, for example, diminishes chromium.

Major losses of chromium have been reported during milling of wheat but stainless steel cooking containers may add to the chromium intake.

The primary function of chromium is to potentiate the effects of insulin carbohydrate, lipid, and protein metabolism.

It is the mineral that convert sugar into energy, and make insulin work more efficiently. The study have shown that chromium protect the heart by lowering serum cholesterol levels and triglycerides.

Chromium normalizes blood sugar, and people with minor and major blood sugar disturbances often report increased mental focus and steadier moods from chromium supplementation.

Chromium deficiency may trigger a rose in blood cholesterol and decrease the body’s sensitivity to insulin, thus increasing the risk of type 2 diabetes.

Strenuous exercise and associated high carbohydrate intake promote urinary chromium losses, thus increasing the potential for chromium deficiency.

Chromium

Wheat kernel minerals

noreply@blogger.com (Solomon) — Sat, 21 Apr 2012 08:15:00 PDT

The amount of minerals present in a wheat sample often varies among cultivars and growing environments.

Minerals from a small part of the wheat kernel, and an even smaller proportion of the endosperm- less than 1%.

Even the minerals in wheat kernel are not uniformly distributed; rather, they are concentrated in the area close to the bran coat and in bran itself.

It is the aleurone layer that is the primary domain of wheat minerals. Phytin crystals are not found in any other bran structure by the aleurone cells. Aleurone is the layer between the bran and the endosperm.

Major constituents of the mineral fraction are the phosphates and sulfates of potassium, magnesium, and calcium.

Some of the phosphate is present in the form of phytic acid. Phytic acid can combine with certain minerals – such as calcium, zinc, and iron – to form indigestible compounds, thereby limiting the body’s intake of these minerals and possibly leading to deficiency.

One report shows the following ranges, in mg per kg, for wheat: iron 18-31, copper 1.8-6.2, manganese., 24-37, and selenium 0.04 – 0.71.

Sodium in wheat is present at a level of only about 80 ppm and is considered a trace element in this case. Hard wheat generally contains more of these elements than soft wheat.
Wheat kernel minerals

Deficiency of molybdenum

noreply@blogger.com (Solomon) — Tue, 17 Apr 2012 23:32:43 PDT

At risk for molybdenum deficiency are individuals consuming a diet high in refined and processed foods which are low in molybdenum, removed in the manufacturing process.

Molybdenum is not reported in healthy humans but deficiency has been observed in patients undergoing prolonged total parental nutrition.

As molybdenum functions only in the form of the molybdenum cofactor in humans, any disturbance of molybdenum cofactor metabolism can disrupt the function of all molybdoenzymes.

Molybdenum enzymes play an important role in catalyzing redox reactions that characteristically involve oxygen transfer.

In this case there is a deficiency of three enzymes namely sulphite oxidase, xanthine oxidase and aldehydes oxidase.

The disorder is genetically inherited from the parents in an autosomal recessive fashion.

Individuals suffering from molybdenum cofactor deficiency only exhibit sulfite oxidase deficiency.

Excess amount of sulfites are toxic to the nervous system, and consequently signs of molybdenum deficiency caused by this are headache, rapid breathing and heart rate, nausea and vomiting, acute asthma attacks, visual problems, disorientation, and finally coma.

Deficiency of molybdenum

Functions of molybdenum in human body

noreply@blogger.com (Solomon) — Sat, 14 Apr 2012 03:17:51 PDT

Molybdenum is widely distributed in soil, plants and animal tissues. It is unusual trace mineral that has only a few specific functions that scientists have identified to date.

Molybdenum is known to function as a cofactor for three enzymes. Two of the enzymes (xanthine oxidase, aldehydes oxidase) play a role in serving as antioxidants and detoxifying agents in the body.

The third enzyme, sulfite oxidase, catalyses a reaction that is necessary for the metabolism of sulfur containing amino acids, such as cysteine.

Xanthine oxidase is important in metabolism purines while aldehydes oxidase is important in catalyzes the conversion of acids for aldehydes.

Xanthine oxidase plays an important role in the normal functioning of the liver. During severe liver damage, xanthine oxidase is released into blood, so a blood assay for xanthine is a way to determine of liver damage has happened.

Molybdenum also may protect steroid hormone against inactivation. Molybdenum is also involved in the chemical reactions that from bone, cartilage and blood.

Epidemiologic studies in Hungary, New Zealand and Columbia suggest that molybdenum may decrease the incidence of dental carries.

Functions of molybdenum in human body

Mineral in eggs

noreply@blogger.com (Solomon) — Thu, 05 Apr 2012 07:49:04 PDT

Eggs are a multifunctional food. Components of egg make it an excellent source of high quality protein, vitamins and trace minerals.

Eggs are a good source of minerals. Phosphorus, selenium, iron and zinc (approximately 16, 29, 9 and 9% respectively) in eggs show the highest proportion of the recommended daily intake.

Phosphorus is the most abundant mineral in the yolk. Eggs are an important source of easily assimilable iron.

In addition to these, other minerals present in egg white and yolk in varying amounts are sodium, potassium, magnesium, sulfur and chlorine.

The mineral content of albumen is quite variable, being influence by the hen’s diet and age, as well as environmental factors such as temperature, season, lighting, etc. Then main influence, however, is the composition of the feed.

Although the shell of the egg is not generally considered edible, finely powdered eggshell can be utilized as a calcium source for humans. Finely ground eggshell is used as a calcium.

Mineral in eggs

Major minerals sources

noreply@blogger.com (Solomon) — Wed, 28 Mar 2012 17:00:01 PDT

Minerals often are grouped as major minerals and trace minerals. Human need more than 100 mgs per day of each major minerals.

Food sources of minerals are just as diverse. Although often associate mineral with animal foods, such as meats and milk, plant foods are important sources as well.

Plant foods can be excellent sources of several minerals, but the mineral content of plants can vary dramatically depending on the minerals in the soil where plats are found.

Some of the major minerals constituents, especially monovalent species, are present in foods as soluble salts and mostly in ionized form.

This applies, for example, to the cations sodium and potassium and the anions chloride.

Metals are often present in the form of chelates. Chelates are metal complexes formed by coordinate covalent bonds between a ligand and a metal cation; the ligand in a chelates two or more coordinate covalent binds to the metals.

Example of chelate ring system is chlorophyll. Other example of food components that can be considered metal chelates are hemoglobin and myoglobin, vitamin B12, and calcium caseinate.

Neither can minerals be destroyed by heat, air, acid or mixing, In fact, the ash that remains when a food is burned contains all the minerals that were in the food originally. Mineral can be lost from food only when they leach into cooking water that is then poured down the drain.

Major minerals are include: calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, sodium, chloride, potassium and sulfur.
Major minerals sources

Sulfur in amino acids

noreply@blogger.com (Solomon) — Tue, 27 Mar 2012 07:10:08 PDT

Sulfur is present in amino acids such as methionine, taurine, cysteine and cysteine. Except for methionine, all the sulfur rich amino acids can be synthesized by the body from methionine and sulfur.

There are two major source of human dietary sulfur containing amino acids. One them is L-cysteine, a sulfur containing amino acid with the thiol side-chain, which is involved in metal-binding in proteins.

L-methionine is another proteic amino acid that possesses sulfur in its molecule.

From L-cysteine and L-methionine the body builds the essential compounds coenzyme A, heparin, glutathione, lipoic acid and biotin.

The disulfide bonds of the sulfur containing amino acids are largely responsible or determining the tertiary structure of proteins.

Cystine
Cystine is the stable form of the sulfur rich amino cysteine. The body is capable of converting one of the other as required.

The sulfur in cysteine molecules plays a crucial role in folding proteins into their correct shapes. For examples sulfur independent proteins are keratin – part of hair, skin and nails and collagen – part of connective tissue like cartilage.

Methionine
Methionine, an essential amino acid, is an important source of sulfur. It is required for DNA-RNA structure, collagen and each cell’s protein syntheses function.

Methionine helps remove heavy metals from the tissues. For example, lead is one heavy metal which causes brain damage.

It helps to control fat levels in the blood and aids in preventing the buildup of cholesterol on the artery walls. Sulfur in amino acids

Wilson disease

noreply@blogger.com (Solomon) — Sat, 24 Mar 2012 03:38:00 PDT

Copper is an essential trace element and a certain amount is required in the diet. The normal diet contains about 1.0 mg/day.

However, if little more copper taken than needed (about 0.25 mg/day), it must be eliminated the excess.

In Wilson’s disease patient, a genetic abnormality of t copper excretion pathway in the liver prevents these patients from getting rid of excess copper.

The disease is caused by a defect in a autosomal recessive genetic important for copper transport. There is the failure to incorporate copper into caeruloplasmin and an accumulation of copper in the liver, kidney, brain and many other organs in the body.

Excess copper is toxic to cells by the generation of free radical, lipid peroxidation of membranes and DNA, inhibition of protein synthesis and alteration in the levels of cellular antioxidants. It is a major patho-physiological mechanism.

With the increasing copper accumulation, brain damage may ensue with characteristic neurological and psychiatric manifestations.

Symptoms of liver dysfunction may occur in children over 8 years old or in young puberty an adolescence.

Wilson disease

Secondary deficiency of minerals

noreply@blogger.com (Solomon) — Wed, 14 Mar 2012 19:37:13 PDT

Secondary deficiencies can occur due to factors unrelated to deficiency in dietary intake. It can resulted from the inability of the body to use specific nutrients properly for example, when food cannot be absorbed into the body while in the alimentary tract or when food is not able to be metabolized.

Factors producing secondary deficiencies in minerals include too high an intake of one mineral, which can inhibit the absorption of another mineral. Often, transport system from the gut to the blood stream involve the interdependent transport of substance such that a deficiency of one may affect the bioavailability of anther.

Too much of one mineral can also have a negative impact on the metabolism and excretion of another. Excessive long term consumption of competing minerals such as iron, might suppress immune response by producing a secondary deficiency of zinc.

Secondary deficiency of minerals

Food Sources of Cadmium

noreply@blogger.com (Solomon) — Tue, 13 Mar 2012 20:28:00 PDT

Humans take in cadmium through the respiratory system or the stomach – it collects in the liver, pancreas and kidneys.

Symptoms of food poisoning include shortness of breath, bronchitis, renal malfunctions and if exposures is excessive, death.

While cadmium is found in most foodstuff, this is normally at very low levels, unless contamination has occurred.

Whole foods have a more desirable ratio of cadmium to zinc than refined foods such as white flour, white rice and sugar.

Coffee, tea and shellfish are other dietary sources of cadmium.

Cadmium levels are typically higher in people that eat excessive amounts of carbohydrates. It means that consumptions of fats or refined foods that are low in nutrients increase the body’s cadmium levels.

Cadmium in foods results mainly from the food processing and refining; in drinking water, from areas of “soft” water lacking in minerals such as calcium and magnesium, as well as from water piping; and in air from industrial pollutants.

Daily intakes by human adults have been estimated to be 25 to 60 mg/day. About 5% of dietary cadmium is absorbed.
Food Sources of Cadmium

Deficiency of chromium

noreply@blogger.com (Solomon) — Wed, 07 Mar 2012 18:57:00 PST

Chromium deficiency is believed to be relatively common in the United States, with 80 percent of the population affected.

It is an disorder that results from an insufficient dietary intake of chromium.

Many people such as athletes, diabetics, pregnant women and the elderly are specially at risk of chromium deficiency.

Chromium is the metal portion of GTF (glucose tolerance factor) with insulin, GTF affects the metabolism of glucose, cholesterol and triglycerides.

Therefore, chromium is important for glucose tolerance, glycogen synthesis, amino acids transport and protein synthesis.

A deficiency of chromium can lead to anxiety, fatigue, glucose intolerance, impaired insulin function, inadequate metabolism of amino acids, type 2 diabetes, and an increased risk of arthrosclerosis.

Chromium deficiency increases fat production because it slows the burning of food for energy. The non-fuel food calories are then converted to fat and stored in fat tissues.

Chromium deficiency has been reported in patients receiving long term parental nutrition without supplementation. Clinical features attributed to the chromium deficiency were weight loss, peripheral neuropathy and encephalopathy.
Deficiency of chromium

Calcium distribution in human body

noreply@blogger.com (Solomon) — Tue, 06 Mar 2012 07:53:11 PST

Calcium is the most abundant electrolyte in the human body, and in healthy adults, accounts for about 2% or 1,300 g, of body weight.

The skeleton is an important reservoir of calcium, serving both a maintain plasma calcium concentrations and to make optimal use of ingested calcium.

Nearly all (99%) of total body calcium is located in skeleton. It serves both functions mainly by adjusting the balance between bone formation and bone resorption.

Another 1% is equally distributed between the teeth and soft tissue, with only 0.1% in the extracellular fluid.

In the plasma there is also a protein bound calcium fraction, which is present at concentration of 3.2 mg/100 ml (0.8 mmol/l).

About 50% calcium in plasma is ionized and 10% is complexed with citrate phosphate, bicarbonate and lactase.

From birth to approximately 20 years of age, when skeleton reaches its full size and density, calcium content increases by some 40 fold.

Calcium distribution in human body

Deficiency symptoms of calcium

noreply@blogger.com (Solomon) — Thu, 23 Feb 2012 17:41:49 PST

99% of this major mineral is found in bone and teeth but it is also important for blood clotting, muscle contraction and nerve conduction.

Diet deficient in calcium affect the human body’s functions of bone formation and maintenance, transmission of nerve impulses, muscular contraction, and abilities for blood coagulation.

The symptoms of calcium deficiency includes rickets, osteomalacia, osteoporosis, scurvy, tetany, parathyroid hyperplasia, stunted growth, laryngospasm.

One of the first signs of a deficiency is a nervous affliction called tetany, which is characterized by muscle cramps, numbness and tingling in the arms and legs.

While ‘rickets’ is a condition when bone is malformation due to a softening of the bones. Other symptoms include: curvature of the spine and ribs, loss appetite, and lameness.

In the case of more prolonged deficit of calcium, ‘leaching’ of this element from the bones causes increased absorption of lead from polluted environments and its incorporations into bones and teeth.

Deficiency of calcium lowers the body resistance and for the children become as easy prey to respiratory and intestinal infections.

Deficiency symptoms of calcium

Calcium, softdrinks and osteoporosis

noreply@blogger.com (Solomon) — Tue, 21 Feb 2012 21:26:00 PST

Bone mass peaks in the early 30s. After this age most people lose approximately one percent of bone mass a year. As more and more bone is lost, the bone becomes weaker and more brittle, a condition known as osteoporosis.

A very serious effect of soft drinks on people’s health is the correlation between soft drink consumption and the increased risk of bone fractures and osteoporosis.

People who drinks instead of milk or other dairy products likely will have lower calcium intakes. Low calcium intake contributes to osteoporosis, a disease leading to fragile and broken bones.

The large amounts of sugar, bubbles caused by carbon dioxide, and phosphoric acid that are found in soft drinks remove nutritious minerals from bones allowing the bones to become weak and increasing the risk for them to break.

This is done by the phosphoric acid disrupting the calcium-phosphorous ratio, which dissolves calcium from the bones. This can cause calcium loss in bones. The phosphorus acid then pulls the calcium from their storage warehouse – that is, their teeth and bones.

The result is osteoporosis – that is, loss of density of bones, back and disc trouble, pyorrhea and of course, decayed teeth.

All soft drinks are made with a solution of phosphoric acid. This is in part what gives them their kick.

Many people consume soft drinks instead of necessary beverages like milk, so their bodies are not receiving enough nutrients, especially calcium.

By lowering bone mineral density it may be increasing osteoporosis risk.

This deficiency in calcium intake and increased consumption of soft drinks is a greater problem for women than for men.

On average, women reported drinking five carbonated drinks a week, four of them colas. Calcium intake was lower for women who drank the most cola.

The discrepancy between genders is because men traditionally eat more and consume more milk than their female counter parts, so soft drinks do not have as profound of an effect on men.
Calcium, softdrinks and osteoporosis

Calcium functions in human body

noreply@blogger.com (Solomon) — Tue, 07 Feb 2012 07:22:04 PST

#99% of total body calcium is found in bones and teeth. Calcium is responsible for construction, formation and maintenance of bone and teeth. This function helps reduce the occurrence of osteoporosis.

#It serves as an intracellular regulator.

#Calcium is a vital component in blood clotting systems and also helps in wound healing. Calcium helps to produce fibrin, the protein responsible for the structure of blood clots.

#Calcium helps to control blood pressure, nerve transmission, and release of neurotransmitters.

#Calcium is an essential component in the production of enzymes and hormones that regulate digestion, energy, and fat metabolism.

#It is co-factor for some enzymes, including some involved in blood clotting.

#Calcium helps to transport ions (electrically charged particles) across the membrane.

#It is an important link between electrical excitation and contraction in muscles.

# Nerve transmission requires calcium. When a nerve impulse is transmitted to the end of a motor neuron, it increases the permeability of the nerve ending to calcium.

#Calcium assists in maintaining all cells and connective tissues in the body.

Calcium functions in human body

Sodium chloride in food

noreply@blogger.com (Solomon) — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 23:01:39 PST

For most people in the United States, sodium is consumed in the form of sodium chloride (salt). Reported salt intake by US men is approximately 10 g per day, but for some salt intake may be as high as 25 g daily.

Excess sodium intake has been linked to elevated blood pressure and increased risk of cardiovascular disease and stroke.

Sodium chloride is common table salt which is 40% sodium and 60 percent chloride.

Sodium chloride perhaps the oldest known preservative used. Even some foods are still being preserved solely by the addition of salt including raw meats and fish, often along with other processing methods such as canning and pasteurization.

Solutions containing 15-25% salt are used to bring the water activity aw, down to about 0.96. This has the effect of retarding the growth of most micro-organisms, including the majority of those responsible for meat spoilage.

Sodium chloride and other sodium containing food additives are also present in condiments, such as Worcestershire sauce, soy sauce, ketchup, onion salt, garlic salt, and bouillon cubes, usually to enhance the flavor of foods.

Staphylococcus aureus and L. monocytogenes are two notable sodium chloride tolerant bacteria that are not inhibited by sodium chloride.

Sodium chloride in food

Mineral in Banana

noreply@blogger.com (Solomon) — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 06:19:00 PST

Mineral in Banana
Chemical analysis shows the banana to contain: water 73.3 per cent; protein 1.3; fat 0.06 per cent; total carbohydrate 22 per cent; mineral element 0.8 per cent.

The mineral content of the banana is largely potash, sodium and chlorine. Lime and iron exist in but small amount.

It also contain magnesium, copper, sulfur and calcium.

Banana help build bones and are very good for jaundice because of their iron content. They also aid acute gout and arthritis.

As one of the leading fresh fruit sources of potassium, bananas are in good supply all year long. One medium banana contains close to 400 mg of potassium, a mineral that plays a role in lowering blood pressure, sending oxygen to the brain and regulating the body’s water content.

Potassium also helps kidneys function properly. Potassium is also needed for muscle contraction. It helps the muscle that make heart pump and the muscle that digest the food.

The potassium level in the body can be restored to normal with a high potassium banana snack.

A fresh banana also supplies 120 mg sulfur, 8 mg silicon,. 33 mg of magnesium and 26 mg of phosphorus, along with ample amount of copper, chromium, iron, fluoride, manganese, selenium and zinc.

Bananas are high in potassium yet low in salt, making it perfect to reduce the risk of blood pressure and stroke.
Mineral in Banana

Magnesium and hypertension

noreply@blogger.com (Solomon) — Thu, 26 Jan 2012 20:49:22 PST

Magnesium is among foremost mineral influences the relaxing and tightening of the tiny smooth muscles lining the blood vessels.

The balance of magnesium and another mineral, calcium in and around the muscle cells lining the arteries is a primary determinant of their state of relaxation and constriction.

The sodium is apparently much less involved and is being dethroned as the chief culprit. Magnesium is decreased in hypertension and the incidence of hypertension is high in areas where drinking water is soft or where there is little magnesium in the soil.

With the deficiency, the walls of the arteries and capillaries tend to construct – a possible explanation for the hypertensive effect.

An adequate level of magnesium in bloods serum is important in stabilizing the cell membranes and allowing the small muscle cells that control blood pressure remain relaxed.

Magnesium and hypertension

Iron deficiency anemia symptoms

noreply@blogger.com (Solomon) — Mon, 16 Jan 2012 22:56:59 PST

The major deficiency disease for iron is hypochromic microcytic anemia, often called iron deficiency anemia.

Non specific symptoms of iron deficiency include fatigue, weakness, shortness of breath and symptoms of congestive heart failure. Fatigue is a particularly common complaint among patients.

Iron deficiency anemia is extremely common, occurring in about 10% to 15% of premenopausal women and frequently seem in persons with chronic gastrointestinal blood loss or poor iron absorption.

In this form of anemia, the red blood cells are smaller than normal and pale in color due to low amounts of hemoglobin.

The major consequences of iron deficiency anemia include a higher risks of maternal mortality, fetal growth retardation, increased prenatal and perinatal mortality and lowered physical activity.

When blood loss resulting in iron deficiency is indolent and protracted, it may take many years until patients seek medical attention.

Iron deficiency anemia symptoms

Minerals requirement for cattle

noreply@blogger.com (Solomon) — Mon, 16 Jan 2012 01:55:00 PST

The total mineral, or ash, content of the animal body represents a very small percentage of the total dry matter.

A number of inorganic elements are essential for normal growth and reproduction of animals.

Requirements for minerals are typically determined on metabolism or growth studies or from retention plus calculated absorption values.

Based on body composition of the bovine on ‘fat free’ basis, the composition was 72.9% water, 21.6 % protein and 5.3% ash. In addition, there is a very small amount of carbohydrate, which is found primarily in the liver muscle and blood.

Mineral requirements of beef cattle can be grouped into major and trace mineral categories. However, trace minerals are needed in much lower concentrations and are usually designated by parts per million units.

Approximately 90% of the calcium and 70% of the phosphorus, plus magnesium, sulfur, sodium and chlorine are utilized in the bone and in cartilaginous organic matrix.

Thus, major consideration should be given to them during diet formulation.

Reasonably large quantities of phosphorus, potassium and sulfur are involved in muscle and gland tissues; sodium, potassium and chlorine, plus other elements, are in solution in the body fluids which establish pH and are involved in secretions, osmotic pressure and the irritability of the nerves and contractility of the muscles.

Trace minerals are extremely important nutrients, even though they are required in small amounts. Inadequate trace minerals consumption has been shown to affect reproduction performance, disease resistance, growth and thriftiness. The trace minerals include cobalt, copper, iodine, iron, manganese, molybdenum, selenium, zinc, and perhaps chromium and fluorine.

The trace minerals are present in body tissues is very low concentrations and often serve as components of metalloenzymes and enzyme cofactors or as components of hormones of the endocrine system.

Excesses of certain minerals may depress feed intake and growth rate.
Minerals requirement for cattle