THE FUNCTION OF MINERALS
From prescription for nutritional healing, by James Balch and Phyllis Balch.
Every living cell on this planet depends on minerals for proper function and structure. Minerals are needed for the proper competition, body fluids, the formation of blood and bone, the maintenance of healthy nerve function, and the regulation of muscle tone, including that of the muscles of the cardiovascular system. Like vitamins, minerals function as co-enzymes, enabling the body to perform its functions, including energy production, growth, and healing. Because all enzyme activities involve minerals, minerals are essential for the proper utilisation of vitamins and other nutrients.
The human body, as all of nature, must maintain its proper chemical balance. This balance depends on the levels of different minerals in the body and especially the ratios of certain mineral levels to one another. The level of each mineral in the body has an effect on every other, so if one is out of balance, all mineral levels are affected. if not corrected, this can start a chain reaction of imbalances that leads to illness.
Minerals are naturally occurring elements found in the earth. Rock formations are made up of mineral salts. Rock and stone are gradually broken down into tiny fragments by erosion, a process that can take literally millions of years. The resulting dust and sand accumulate, forming the basis of soil. the soil is teeming with microbes that utilise these tiny crystals of mineral salts, which are then passed from the soil to plants. The plants are eaten by herbivorous animals. We obtain these minerals by consuming plants or herbivorous animals.
Nutritionally, minerals belong to two groups: bulk minerals (also called macro minerals) and trace minerals (micro minerals). Bulk minerals include calcium, magnesium, sodium, potassium, and phosphorus. These are needed in larger amounts than trace minerals. Although only minute quantities of trace minerals are needed, they are nevertheless important for good health. trace minerals include boron, chromium, copper, germanium, iodine, iron, manganese, molybdenum, selenium, silicon, sulphur, vanadium, and zinc.
Page 22, Prescription for Nutritional Healing, by James Balch and Phyllis Balch.
