Are You Ignoring this Vital Nutrient in Your Diet?

• Written by Sejal Singhania

  Reviewed by Munmi Sharma

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Have you ever wondered why your body suddenly feels weak after a long workout, or noticed your nails chipping like dry leaves for no reason?

You may blame stress, sleepless nights, or a poor manicure, but the real culprit could be a significant deficiency that rarely gets the spotlight: Minerals.

In a world obsessed with diet trends, fast foods, protein powders, and multivitamins, minerals play the role of the backstage crew that is essential to the show but completely overlooked. But this nutrient is vital in empowering your body, silently fueling every heartbeat and bone, and keeping your body in beautiful balance.

So let’s dive into the invisible world of the importance of minerals that power your health and keep you strong, steady and alive.

What are Minerals?

Minerals are tiny but mighty nutrients essential to the human diet and every function, from building strong bones to keeping your heart beating and your brain sharp. Minerals are inorganic elements found in foods that grow in soil or water. They are chemical elements, such as calcium, magnesium, sodium, phosphorus and iron, essential for overall health.

Most people get the minerals they need by eating various foods. In some cases, a doctor may recommend a mineral supplement. People with specific health problems or who are taking some medicines may need to get less of one of the minerals. For example, people with chronic kidney disease need to limit foods high in potassium.

Importance of Minerals in Human Life

Every time this question pops up, "Why are minerals important?". But you know that minerals are the unsung heroes of human life. They help to keep our bodies functioning properly at their core. Minerals are also crucial for enzyme and hormone production and play a role in the immune system's function. Getting the right amount of minerals in our diet is essential, as deficiencies can lead to health conditions such as fatigue, weakened bones, muscle cramps and difficulty regulating metabolism. In short, without minerals, the body can't function fully.

Role of Minerals in Human Health

It is essential to have minerals in a balanced diet so that our bodies can perform a wide range of functions. Here are the functions of minerals in the body:

Constant fatigue isn't just lack of sleep - it can be due to mineral deficiency!

If you’re sleeping 8 hours but still dragging through the day, your iron and magnesium levels might be low.

Key Minerals

• Iron carries the oxygen to your cells, which means low iron = low energy.
• Magnesium supports energy production at the cellular level and muscle recovery.

Weak bones or joint pain? Calcium isn't the only mineral that you need

Strong bones are not just made from milk or dairy products; they are also made up of nutrients that help them grow and stay healthy.

Key Minerals

• Calcium builds & maintains strong bones. It also helps in forming the structural foundation.
• Phosphorus works with calcium to strengthen bones and helps in their growth and repair.
• Magnesium aids in calcium absorption and supports bone density while reducing bone inflammation.

Low immunity & frequent illness? You need Zinc, Selenium, & Iron

If changing in the season brings cold and sore throats, then your immune system is crying for minerals.

Key Minerals

• Zinc supports the activation of immune cells, helping your body fight the infection effectively.
• Selenium is an antioxidant that protects cells from damage and supports the body's ability to fight infections.
• Iron is essential for properly functioning immune cells, like lymphocytes, which are key for generating a specific immune response to infections.

Feeling irritable, anxious, & moody? Lack of zinc, Potassium, & Magnesium can be the culprit

Your mood swings aren’t just hormonal; sometimes, the lack of minerals in your body contributes to the frequent mood swings.

Key Mineral

• Zinc helps regulate neurotransmitters like serotonin and dopamine, keeping mood and emotions balanced.
• Potassium supports nerve function and helps manage stress, reduce irritability and anxiety.
• Magnesium calms the nervous system and promotes relaxation, reducing mood swings and tensions.

Muscle cramps & weakness? Listen to what your muscles are telling you

That muscle cramp in the middle of doing something? It’s not random; your minerals may be out of balance. You need magnesium, potassium, and calcium.

Key Minerals

• Magnesium plays a crucial role in nerve transmission and muscle contraction, which helps in relaxing muscles.
• Potassium is essential for nerve and muscle function, which prevents painful tightening.
• Calcium plays a vital role in triggering muscle movement and maintaining strength.

Poor focus or can't think properly? Your brain must be starved for minerals

If your mind feels stuck or you can’t focus on things, don’t just blame your tension. It must be due to a lack of minerals like Iron, Magnesium, and Iodine.

Key Minerals

• Iron delivers oxygen to the brain, keeping your mind sharp and energised.
• Magnesium is crucial to brain health and can positively impact focus and cognitive function.
• Iodine fluids hormones that regulate brain development and cognitive clarity.

Brittle nails & hair fall? Silica, Zinc and Iron could be the missing essentials

If your nails break easily and your hair falls more than usual, minerals are your beauty foundation.

Key Minerals

• Silica promotes collagen production and provides essential nutrients to hair follicles and nail cells.
• Zinc is essential for cell growth and division, including those in hair follicles and nail tissue.
• Iron carries oxygen to the body's tissues, including those that support hair and nail growth.

Irregular heartbeat? Your Potassium and Magnesium levels must be low

When your heart skips a beat every time, it can't be because of love. It might be a mineral imbalance.

Key Minerals

• Potassium regulates the electrical signals that control heart muscle contractions.
• Magnesium helps regulate calcium levels within the heart muscle cells. It also helps in proper contraction and relaxation, preventing hypercontraction, which can lead to irregular heart rhythms.

>> Also Read: 9 Common Signs You’re Vitamins and Minerals Deficient

Sources of Mineral-rich Foods That Should Be in Your Diet

Here’s a cheat sheet of mineral-rich foods to sprinkle in your daily diets:

Your Body Speaks in Symptoms & Minerals Can Heal It!

While vitamins often steal the spotlight, the minerals, those mighty micronutrients, quietly power everything from your bones to your brain. The role of minerals in maintaining human health cannot be overstated. Each mineral has a specific or ideal purpose, such as magnesium for muscle function, calcium for bones, or iron for oxygen delivery. Minerals in a balanced diet are the secret to avoiding deficiencies and promoting long-term health.

Prioritising your minerals is vital, but so is protecting your health. Consider investing in reliable health insurance to safeguard your health and ensure your body gets the care it deserves. Care Health Insurance offers comprehensive coverage, helping you stay protected while you focus on maintaining optimal nutrition and mineral balance. So, if you're aiming for lifelong vitality, don't just count your calories, count your minerals too.

Disclaimer: The above information is for reference purposes only. Kindly consult your general physician for verified medical advice. The health insurance benefits are subject to policy terms and conditions. Refer to your policy documents for more information.