|
|
Role of Minerals in Human nutrition - III Hi everyone, To conclude the subject of minerals lets see how inorganic becomes organic. Mineral waters cannot provide any beneficial minerals to the body as minerals contained in such waters are inorganic and must be expelled by the body ( we are plant eaters, not rock or soil eaters ) An excess of such inorganic minerals in the body will result in deposits, that can not be eliminated to "sit " in the body and may lead to kidney and gall stone formation, hardening of the arteries, arthritis, heart trouble, ossification of the brain etc Also the unexpelled mineral matter from mineral-containing waters combines with cholesterol to forms plaque, leading to cardiovascular problems, and they join with uric acid to cause arthritic and rheumatic complaints. Even plants, when in their embryonic state, cannot use inorganic minerals in the soil, but instead feed on the organic compounds contained within the seed. Not until its roots and leaves are grown can a plant utilize the inorganic minerals in the soil. The changing of inorganic matter into organic matter takes place principally in the green leaves of the plant by means of photosynthesis. Only by the presence of chlorophyll is the plant able to utilize the inorganic carbon molecule and convert it with hydrogen and oxygen into the organic combination of starch and sugar. And, ultimately, the plant combine nitrogen and other mineral elements from the soil into more complex organic combinations. Only the chlorophyll baring plants have the ability to assimilate iron, calcium and other minerals from the soil and to use the resulting combinations to construct nucleo-proteins. Vital changes occur in all minerals as they pass into the structure of plants. These changes cannot be isolated by normal chemical laboratory processes, which destroy living plant tissues to analyze them. Although an improper diet is usually viewed as the main cause of a mineral deficiency, it is also important to realize that a mineral deficiency can occur even when there is an excess of minerals in the diet. Although the minerals may be present, the body, for some reason or other, is unable to digest and assimilate them. In this case a metabolic deficiency occurs. Many factors may cause an individual to be unable to assimilate and use the minerals present in his diet. Personal habits, working environment, state of mind, manner of cooking, overworked emotions, lack of sleep, overeating, worry, grief, etc.. are all causes of impairment of the metabolic process. DID YOU KNOW? 1) Minerals are inorganic as they exist naturally in the soil & water 2) Minerals are organic as they exist in plants and animals 3) Only plants can transform inorganic minerals into organic minerals. 4) Animals must eat plants or plant-eating animals to obtain their organic minerals 5) Inorganic minerals are useless and injurious to the animal organism