Minerals are essential for good health. The body utilizes over 80 minerals for maximum function. Like seawater that neutralizes various toxins streaming into the ocean from the land, the minerals in the circulatory system serve to maintain smooth metabolism by harmonizing the influx of excessive dietary factors. This balance is dependant on the levels of different minerals in the body and especially the ratios of certain mineral levels to each other. When we are deficient in one mineral, all of the other minerals are affected. If not corrected, this can start a chain reaction of imbalances that lead to illness.  The more you learn about the benefits of minerals, the more you will be able to take charge of your own health!

Every living cell depends on minerals for proper structure and function. Minerals are needed for the formation of blood and bones, the proper composition of body fluids, healthy nerve function and proper operation of the cardiovascular system, among others. Like vitamins, minerals function as coenzymes, enabling the body to perform its functions including energy production, growth and healing. Because all enzyme activities involve minerals, they are essential for the proper utilization of vitamins and other nutrients.

Nutritionally, minerals belong to two groups: bulk or essential minerals and trace minerals. Bulk minerals like Calcium, Magnesium, Sodium, Potassium and Phosphorus are needed in the body in larger amounts. Although only minute quantities of trace minerals are needed, they are nevertheless important for good health. Trace minerals like Boron, Chromium, Copper, Germanium, Iodine, Iron, Manganese, Molybdenum, Selenium, Silicon, Sulphur, Vanadium and Zinc.

At Salt of the Earth we care about the quality of our products and have tests performed by Australia’s Leading Advanced Analytical Laboratories to ensure our salt has a balanced mineral level, is free from pesticide residues and any harmful contaminants. We believe that a constant supply of various minerals in the form of good quality unrefined Salt of the Earth’s Sea Salt, whole grains and vegetables are necessary and highly recommended for daily life.

Mineral Benefits

Chloride

Small amounts of Chloride are essential for life; they pass through the digestive system unchanged and become part of wastewater. Chloride along with Sodium is found in the extracellular fluid and makes up approximately 0.15% of the bodies weight. Chloride works with Sodium and Potassium to help maintain the proper distribution and pH of all bodily fluids and encourages healthy nerve and muscle function. Independently, chloride contributes to digestion and waste elimination. It is a key component of hydrochloric acid, one of the gastric juices that digest foods. Deficiencies occur from excessive sweating, vomiting, or diarrhoea. Low levels of Chloride can result in alkalinity of the body fluids, dehydration and loss of potassium through wastewater.

Sources: Celery, Lettuce, Olives, Rye, Salt of the Earth’s Sea Salt, Seaweed and Tomatoes.

Sodium

Sodium helps maintain proper water balance and blood pH levels for the efficient functioning of the stomach, nerves and muscles and is pumped out of cell membranes in exchange for potassium. Deficiency of Sodium can cause abdominal cramps, anorexia, confusion, dehydration, depression, dizziness, fatigue, flatulence, hallucinations, headaches, heart palpitations, impaired sense of taste, lethargy, low blood pressure, memory impairment, muscular weakness, nausea, poor coordination, recurring infections, seizures and weight loss.

Sources: Anchovy, Cheese, Lox, Salt of the Earth’s Sea Salt, Shellfish, Spirulina, Red or Green Peppers and Wakame (Sea Vegetable).

Water

Water makes up approximately 70% of the human body. This water content is responsible for and involved in nearly every bodily process, including digestion, absorption, circulation, and excretion. Water is also the primary distributor of nutrients throughout the body and is necessary for all building functions in the body and to maintain a normal body temperature.

Sulphur

Sulphur is important to disinfect blood and help the body to resist bacteria. This mineral assists in protecting your body against toxic substances and harmful effects of radiation and pollution. It also stimulates bile secretion and helps slow down the aging process.

Sources: Brussels Sprouts, Dried Beans, Cabbage, Eggs, Fish, Garlic, Kale, Meats, Onions, Salt of the Earth’s Sea Salt, Soybeans, Turnips and Wheat Germ.

Calcium

Calcium as most people are aware is essential for the construction, formation and maintenance of bones and teeth helping to reduce the risk of osteoporosis. This essential mineral also aids blood pressure, blood clotting, muscular growth, nerve transmission, cancer prevention, produces energy, breaks down fats and is believed to reduce the risk of premature heart disease. Calcium works in perfect synergy with Magnesium as Calcium contracts muscles and Magnesium relaxes them. A deficiency can cause aching joints, brittle nails, convulsions, depression, delusions, elevated blood cholesterol, heart palpitations, high blood pressure, hyperactivity eczema, insomnia, muscle cramps, nervousness, numbness of limbs, pale complexion, rheumatoid arthritis, rickets and tooth decay.

Sources: Almonds, Asparagus, Blackstrap Molasses, Broccoli, Buttermilk, Cabbage, Carob, Dandelion, Green Leafy Vegetables, Figs, Goat’s Milk, Kelp, Kale, Milk and Diary Foods, Mustard Greens, Oats, Prunes, Salmon (with bones), Sardines, Salt of the Earth’s Sea Salt, Seafood, Sesame Seeds, Tofu, Turnip Greens, Watercress, Whey, Fennel Seed, Fenugreek, Flaxseed, Horsetail, Peppermint, Plantain, Raspberry Leaves, Red Clover, Rose Hips and Violet Leaves.

Magnesium

Magnesium is essential to the body assisting in the utilisation of Calcium, cardiac functioning, blood pressure, production of energy and restful sleeping. When the body is lacking Magnesium, Calcium invades the muscles causing cramps. Researchers have found that heart attack victims generally have low levels of Magnesium in the blood and heart muscles. Deficiency symptoms include; asthma, cardiac arrest, cardiac arrhythmia, chronic fatigue, chronic pain syndromes, confusion, depression, hypertension, insomnia, irritability, irritable bowel syndrome, poor digestion, pulmonary disorders, rapid heart beating and seizures.
Heart Attack Tip: did you know that if magnesium is introduced to a heart attack victim as soon as possible, they have a 60% better chance of surviving than without?

Sources: Alfalfa, Apples, Apricots, Avocados, Bananas, Blackstrap Molasses, Black- Eyed Peas, Brown Rice, Cantaloupe, Chamomile, Dandelion, Diary Products, Fish, Figs, Garlic, Grapefruit, Green Leafy Vegetables, Kelp, Lemons, Liquorice, Lima Beans, Meat, Millet, Nuts, Paprika, Parsley, Peaches, Peppermint, Raspberry Leaf, Red Clover, Salmon, Salt of the Earth’s Sea Salt, Sesame Seeds, Soybeans, Tofu, Watercress, Wheat and Whole Grains.

Potassium

Potassium assists in maintaining the balance of body fluids, transmitting nerve signals, insulin release and muscle contraction. It is common for people to be deficient in Potassium due to the high intake of refined products, as well as taking diuretics and drinking large quantities of water flushing out vital potassium. A deficiency in Potassium may produce fatigue, weakness, mental depression, low blood pressure, muscular fatigue, salt retention and an abnormal heartbeat.

Sources: Avocados, Bananas, Blackstrap Molasses, Brown Rice, Dates, Dried Fruit, Figs, Fish, Fruit, Garlic, Legumes, Meats, Nuts, Oranges, Potatoes, Poultry, Raisins, Red Clever, Sage, Salt of the Earth’s Sea Salt, Vegetables, Wheat Bran and Whole Grains.

Boron

Boron is a trace mineral primarily needed for healthy bones and teeth, and the proper metabolism of the essential minerals calcium, magnesium, and phosphorus. Boron also enhances brain function, promotes/improves alertness, helps to prevent osteoporosis, and builds muscles. Boron deficiency also accentuates vitamin D deficiency. It is required to convert vitamin D to its most active form within the kidneys. It also appears that boron is required to activate certain hormones including estrogen.

Sources: Apples, Carrots, Grains, Grapes, Leafy Vegetables, Nuts, Pears and Salt of the Earth’s Sea Salt.

Iron

Iron is a vital component of many enzymes. It can promote resistance to disease, prevents fatigue and assists in the oxygenation of red blood cells. A deficiency can cause anaemia, low concentration levels, intestinal bleeding, brittle hair, dizziness, fragile bones, nervousness, obesity, reduced physical capacity, and decreased immune functioning.

Sources: Almonds, Avocadoes, Beans, Beets, Blackstrap Molasses, Cereals, Clams, Cockles, Dates, Eggs, Fish, Green Leafy Vegetables, Kelp, Kidney and Lima Beans, Liver, Meat, Millet, Mussels, Nuts, Oysters, Peaches, Pears, Poultry, Pumpkins, Raisins, Rice, Salt of the Earth’s Sea Salt, Sea Vegetables, Seeds, Whole grains, Yeast. However, tea, coffee, bran and phytates can decrease iron absorption.

Manganese

The mineral Manganese is essential for the proper formation and maintenance of bone, cartilage, and connective tissue. It contributes to the synthesis of proteins and genetic material, and helps produce energy from foods. It also acts as an antioxidant and assists in normal blood clotting. Manganese is an important cofactor in the key enzymes of glucose metabolism. It has been found that a deficiency results in diabetes as well as the frequent birth of offspring who develop pancreatic abnormalities or no pancreas at all. Another interesting fact is that diabetics have been shown to have half the level of manganese that normal individuals have.

Sources: Alfalfa, Avocados, Blueberries, Burdock Root, Catnip, Chamomile, Dandelion, Dried Peas, Egg Yolks, Fennel Seed, Green Leafy Vegetables, Lemongrass, Nuts and Seeds, Salt of the Earth’s Sea Salt, Sea Vegetables and Whole Grains.

Phosphorus

Phosphorus is essential for the formation of both bones and teeth, and assists in the growth of cells. Deficiency in Phosphorus is not common, however, can cause malabsorption, anxiety, irregular breathing, skin sensitivity, weakness and weight changes.

Sources: Asparagus, Bran, Corn, Dairy Products, Eggs, Fish, Fruits, Fruit Juices, Legumes, Poultry, Meat and Salt of the Earth’s Sea Salt.

Lithium

Lithium stimulates the brain assisting in the  prevention or reduction in the occurrences of mental disorders such as depression and alcoholism. It is not common to have a deficiency in this mineral.

Sources: Beef liver, Eggplant, Grains, Leafy vegetables, Legumes, Potatoes, Salt of the Earth’s Sea Salt, Seafood and Tomatoes.