How Do You Get Essential Minerals for the Body? Sources Explored

How Do You Get Essential Minerals for the Body? Sources Explored

Exploring more about how to get essential minerals as we dive into food and other sources that fuel your body

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By Tracy Little
Lucia Gcingca
Edited by Lucia Gcingca

Published October 6, 2024.

A man drinking water with essential minerals.

Ever wondered about the tiny powerhouses that keep your body humming like clockwork? Essential minerals work relentlessly behind the scenes to support strong bones, hormonal balance, and a robust immune system.

They maintain a complex dance of fluid balance, nerve function, and even transporting oxygen and producing energy. So, let's unravel the mysteries of these vital nutrients—the backbone of your body's well-being.

What Are Common Essential Minerals?

Some heavyweights in this lineup include calcium, magnesium, iron, and zinc. They're essential because our bodies can't manufacture them, so getting them from external sources like food is crucial. You may get mineral deficiencies that pave the way for various health problems without an ample intake.

» Learn ways to add essential electrolytes to your water

Sources of Essential Minerals

Exploring the following diverse sources ensures a well-rounded intake of essential minerals, promoting overall health and vitality:

  • Calcium: Dairy products like milk, cheese, and yogurt; leafy green vegetables like kale and broccoli; fortified plant-based milk alternatives.
  • Magnesium: Nuts and seeds, whole grains, legumes, and leafy green vegetables like spinach and Swiss chard.
  • Iron: Red meat, poultry, fish, beans, lentils, and fortified cereals.
  • Zinc: Shellfish, meat, poultry, beans, and nuts.
  • Potassium: Bananas, citrus fruits, leafy green vegetables, potatoes, and avocados.
  • Sodium: High-quality salt, Natural sources like cheese and condiments.
A woman holding a sign over a table full of food rich in essential minerals.


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Exploring Essential Mineral Supplementation

While a well-balanced diet typically fulfills your mineral needs, certain situations need mineral supplementation. People with medical conditions, malabsorption issues, or dietary restrictions might struggle to get sufficient minerals from food alone.

A registered dietitian can assess your needs, determine if supplementation is necessary, and give you suitable options and recommended doses. Expert advice gives you a personalized approach to maintaining optimal mineral levels.

Tailored Solutions

What also shows promise for easy mineral replenishment are innovative concentrated blends like the Mayu Water's Essential Blend. With antioxidant-rich trace minerals packed into portable liquid doses, just a few flavorless drops amp up your nutrition.

Early findings suggest benefits for energy, immunity, and resilience - all pluses for active lifestyles. A balanced diet plus smart supplementation like MAYU Water's Essential Blend gives the body ideal tailored mineral insurance.



Common Forms of Mineral Supplements

From convenient capsules to versatile powders and liquid options, mineral health often involves exploring various forms of supplements. These include:

  • Tablets or capsules: These are the most common forms of mineral supplements, allowing for easy and convenient consumption.
  • Powders: Some minerals are available in powder form, which can be mixed with water, smoothies, or other beverages.
  • Liquids: Liquid mineral supplements are also available and can be consumed directly or added to drinks by measuring the desired dosage using a dropper.
  • Chelated minerals: Chelated minerals are minerals bound to organic molecules, which may enhance their absorption in the body.
  • Effervescent tablets: These are minerals in tablet form that dissolve in water, creating a fizzy drink.

» Want to know what you're drinking? See which minerals are found in mineral water

Meeting Mineral Requirements

Calcium

Calcium is abundant in dairy products. For people following a plant-based diet or those with lactose intolerance, there are alternative sources like fortified plant-based milk and leafy green vegetables.

Iodine

Primarily found in seafood and iodized salt. Vegetarians or vegans who don't consume seaweed or iodized salt may need help to meet their iodine requirements.

Iron and Zinc

These can also be more difficult for vegetarians and vegans since they are more readily absorbed from animal sources. However, there are excellent alternatives, such as iron-rich plant-based foods like beans, lentils, fortified cereals, and dark leafy greens

» Find out how to choose the right water mineral drops for your diet

Expert Tips on Meeting Mineral Requirements

You can guarantee that you're meeting your body's mineral requirements in several ways. You can:

  • Incorporate a variety of whole foods into your diet: Fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and dairy or plant-based alternatives.
  • Be mindful of calcium intake: Include calcium-rich foods in your diet or consider fortified options.
  • Ensure adequate magnesium and zinc intake: Include a variety of nuts, seeds, and legumes in your meals and snacks to
  • Choose iron-rich foods: Lean meats, poultry, fish, or plant-based sources such as beans, lentils, and fortified cereals.
  • Opt for potassium-rich foods: Bananas, citrus fruits, leafy greens, and potatoes.
  • Be cautious with sodium intake: Limit processed foods. Use herbs and spices to flavor your meals instead of excessive salt.
  • Be mindful of cooking methods: Some minerals can be lost during cooking, so opt for gentle cooking methods like steaming or sautéing to preserve the mineral content.

Pro Tip: Enhance the absorption of iron or non-heme iron by pairing it with foods rich in vitamin C, such as citrus fruits, berries, or bell peppers, alongside iron-rich foods.

Going From Deficient to Efficient

While essential minerals are best obtained through diet, modern life has led to more deficiencies. Processed foods, depleted soil, and disconnection from nature have left immune function, energy, and resilience compromised.

MAYU Minerals | Essential Drops concentrated mineral complex leverages trace minerals’ and antioxidants’ potency in tiny doses to effortlessly boost your nutrition. You can add a few drops to your water, juice, or smoothies gives your body cell-protecting minerals that are often missing nowadays.