Mineral supplements are big business. They currently account for more than $600 million in sales in Australia and this figure is likely to double in the next three years. Most minerals occur naturally in a wide variety of foods and in most cases the minimum daily requirements of minerals are easily met through a normal, varied diet. Minerals are natural substances that originate in the Earth and cannot be created by living systems. They are found in soil. We don't eat dirt, rocks or pebbles so how do we eat minerals?

Minerals are found from plants and animals. Plants obtain minerals from the soil to help them grow and when we eat these plants, we get our minerals. Minerals are also found indirectly from animal sources who live off the land. Dairy products, lean meats, grains, legumes and fruits and vegetables are the main food sources that provide our bodies with the minerals it needs.

People with high blood pressure have long been instricuted by their doctors to reduce salkt intake. However, new research suggests that high blood pressure is more closely linked to diets low in minerals, such as calcium, potassium, and magnessium. A high salt intake is more closely linked to a poorer quality of diet, which turns out to be the signifcant link between salt and high blood pressure.

Types of Minerals

There are two types of minerals - Essential minerals and Trace minerals. Essential minerals are needed in large quanitities, and in a lot of cases a good diet may not be enough to provide you with the nutrients you need. The 7 Essential minerals are Calcium, Phosphorus, Magnesium, Sodium, Potassium, Sulfur and Chloride.

Trace minerals are needed in very small amounts. These include Chromium, Copper, Fluoride, Iodine, Iron, Manganese, Molybdenum, Selenium and Zinc. Although these minerals aren't needed in large amounts, they all have a specific role to play to keep the body healthy and functioning.

Benfits of Minerals

Â