Vitamin C is the popular kid of the micronutrient world - it’s so important that everyone knows it and worries about having enough of it, and with good reason. It an antioxidant, which means that it helps against aging and shields DNA from free radical damage (it also protects sperm from free radical damage so men who plan on having children should make sure they have their daily dose). Vitamin C is needed by the body for the growth and repair of tissues, as well as for collagen, the main component in skin (keeps it young and supple), tendons, cartilage, organs and even bones. Read More…
Since sulfur deficiency does not cause any “visible” problems, you don’t hear much about this interesting nonmetallic element. But in my cellular nutritional world, this sexy macro-mineral pretty much had me at “for brains and beauty.” Sulfur represents about 0.25% of our total body weight, (kind of like potassium) and in Ayurveda, it’s the pitta element of fire. This beautifying food is a highly detoxing warrior, and in conjunction with phosphorous and manganese, it substantially affects the brain. I’m falling in love with sulfur because it: Read More…
Talk about a power team: Vitamin B Complex refers to all the B vitamins (B1-B12), which work together to offer a great deal of nervous system and cardiac support and are therefore critical in stress management. Discovered in the first part of the 20th century and studied extensively ever since, these vitamins are usually referred to and distributed as a group supplement, but they have individual names and functions: Read More…
Known as the vitality mineral, the primary function of iron is the formation of hemoglobin. Hemoglobin is what makes red blood cells red, gives us beautiful skin color, and provides strength. Good iron supplies enhance our inner and outer glow while augmenting our magnetism. Iron is the essential nutrient that carries oxygen into the blood cell. It is also crucial for our brain, as neurotransmitters and neurochemicals require iron for proper functioning. Iron improves digestion, elimination, respiratory activity and circulation, and it also pumps up our immune system. It is also needed by very important enzymes for energy production and protein metabolism. Read More…
Calcium is the most abundant mineral in the human body. It works with phosphorous to build and maintain bones, and with magnesium for cardiovascular health and skeletal strength. It is also important for the flow of electrical energy in the system and in helping to transport nutrients into the cell. Calcium even plays a role in weight control, will power, and digestive health.
One of the biggest calcium myths is that cow’s milk is the best source to get this amazing essential mineral, and that this means milk is good for our bones. Not true. Read More…
Known as “the beauty element”, Silicon might not be as popular as mineral celebrities like Calcium and Iron but it is essential for your health. Silicon is a micromineral found in nature as silica, the most abundant mineral in the Earth’s crust. It is also commonly found in rock crystals like quartz and flint and in sand as Silicon dioxide (SiO2), an active form of silicon used to make glass. In our physical bodies, silicon is present in bone, blood vessels, cartilage, and tendons, assisting them in durability and strength. This beauty element also provides sheen, resilience and smoothness to our skin, hair and nails. Read More…
