Trace minerals are vital to the maintenance of the body's immune system and body functions. Lack of trace minerals will affect overall health, such as lack of iron and copper will cause anaemia; lack of zinc will impair development and cause poor immunity. Below are the 6 important trace minerals that are required by the human body and the common food sources that you can obtain it from.

 

1. Copper

 

Copper is needed in the synthesis of red blood cells, protein and hemoglobin. Copper also assists in the production of blood, and participates in biochemical, electron transfer, and redox effects. A lack of it will result in bone demineralization and increase risk of neurodegenerative disease.

 

Food sources: pork, pork liver, sesame seeds, soybeans, spinach etc.

 

 

 

2. Iodine

 

Iodine can aid in the synthesis and function of thyroxine, regulate body temperature and promote body growth and development. When there is a deficiency of iodine in the body, the body's thyroxine synthesis will be insufficient, and goiter will appear. This is also commonly referred to as an enlargement of the thyroid gland. The patient's neck will gradually become thicker which causes difficulties in breathing and swallowing will. It may also lead to symptoms of mental deficiency and fatigue.

 

Food sources: iodized salt, sea fish, seaweed, peanuts, soybeans, cabbage, etc.

 

 

 

3. Selenium

 

A normal healthy human body contains about 6 to 20 mg of Selenium which are mainly found in the lymph nodes, liver and spleen of the human body. Selenium can protects the thymus, maintain the activity of lymphocytes and promote the formation of antibodies. It can also stimulates the production of immunoglobulin, thereby helping the body in resisting the invasion of colds, cardiovascular diseases, gastrointestinal diseases, liver diseases and cancers. A lack of it will result in weak muscles, brain fog, poor immunity and cardiovascular disease.

 

Food sources: sesame, animal offal, garlic, mushrooms, seafood, etc.

 

 

 

4. Iron

 

Iron is a vital material for the production of hemoglobin and myoglobin in the human body. Iron can also promote the conversion of β-carotene into vitamin A, remove blood lipids, produce antibodies, and synthesize some important substances in the body (purine, collagen). Iron also participates in the detoxification of the liver, etc. Iron is very important throughout many phases in life such as in infancy, adolescence, and pregnancy. As our bodies need iron to make hemoglobin, which takes oxygen through the blood to all the cells. And babies and children need iron for their brains to develop normally.

 

Food sources: red meat, liver, dark green vegetables, etc.

 

 

 

5. Zinc

 

Zinc is a critical element that composes the hippocampus of the human memory center, and it is also closely related to the biosynthesis of DNA, RNA, and protein. Zinc can promote the growth and development of the body and accelerate healing. Zinc enzymes are involved in the synthesis and decomposition of a wide range of biological components such as carbohydrates, lipids, proteins and nucleic acids, and are closely related to the normal development of the body.

 

Food sources: oysters, fish, seafood, beans and cereals, etc.

 

 

 

6. Chromium

 

Several studies have indicated that taking chromium supplements can improve blood sugar. It can help improve the effect of insulin, which allows glucose to smoothly enter the human cells to produce energy. Chromium can be used to regulate glucose metabolism for patients suffering from diabetes or hypoglycemia. In addition, chromium also plays an active role in increasing high-density lipoprotein (HDL, a lipoprotein that is beneficial to the human body) and reducing cholesterol levels, in turn helping to prevent and improve arteriosclerosis and prevent cardiovascular diseases such as hypertension.

 

Food sources: Nuts also contain chromium, such as almonds and walnuts.

 

 

While these essential trace minerals can be obtained from our daily diet, most of us are still mineral deficient! It is increasingly difficult to acquire a full spectrum of trace minerals in sufficient amounts from plants due to mineral depletion in the soil itself. Food that is harvested today are less nutritious than before. You can also consider:

 

LABO Nutrition Precious Dew

 

LABO Nutrition Precious Dew is a 100% natural mineral concentrate containing naturally-occurring ionic trace minerals and magnesium. By comparison to “empty water”, Precious Dew better hydrates the body while restoring minerals to your body. Did you know, the mineral content in Precious Dew is also equivalent to 923 1-litre bottles of premium water.

 

Health Benefits of Precious Dew

• Balances electrolytes (mineral ions in the blood and other body fluids)

• Facilitates nutrients transfer across cell membranes

• Normalises pH levels and protects body from being over acidic

• Helps assimilate vitamins for use by the body

• Boosts immunity, vitality and physical performance

• Cleanses colon and restores digestive system

• Helps in liver detoxification

• Promotes calcium absorption

• Strengthens bones, muscle, joints and teeth

• Supports healthy heart rate

• Improves concentration and mental clarity

• Provides antioxidant protection

• Balances the contraction and relaxation of muscle tissue

• Promotes anti-ageing due to nutrient recovery

• Supports balanced hormone levels

• Supports hair and skin health

• Promotes better sleep