October 2nd 2009- Minerals!!

Okay. We have talked about vitamins and learned four excersices to foster relaxation. Today the topic is MINERALS. I will focus on five minerals: calcium & phosphorus, magnesium, iron, and copper.

Let's begin!

CALCIUM & PHOSPHORUS
calcium gets depleted by stress and its absortion is difficult, and is dependent upon proper amount of vitamin D, protein, vitamin C and fruit sugards in the diet. Calcium is essential in regulating the heart. It is also needed for the normal clotting of blood. When stress wears down the body, it is calcium who speeds up the body healing.
Calcium's partner is phosphorus. The two work together in our body affecting mental clarity and general nerve strength. Each needs the other in order to fulfill its function.

MAGNESIUM
this mineral is required by the heart to beat regularly. It is a natural tranquilizer and deficiency causes nervous irritability and depression. Calcium and magnesium are partner in that calcium depends upon magnesium to be assimilated by the body. There is an important balance between these two minerals which must be maintained in order to insure each other's optimal function.

IRON
this mineral improves the quality of the blood. It aids in the transfer of oygen from our lungs to our nerve cells. It acts as a natural resistant to stress, preventing that run-down feeling, shortness of breath and susceptibility to sickness that chronic stress invites. Deficiency of this mineral is more common in women than men.

COPPER
we can not absorb iron unless we have copper with it. Most foods that contain iron also contain the perfect amount of copper. The highest concentration of copper is found in the brain, kidneys and liver. This suggests that copper is a nutrient crucial to the nervous system.

I will leave this section with a list of nine foods that can be considered anti-stress foods:

1- bananas
2- almonds
3- raisins
4- broccoli
5- spinach
6- wheat germ
7- sunflower seeds
8- milk
9- honey

Do you know why? ...  I will leave it up to you to seek the answer. Let us know what you find by posting your findings. Have a fantastic weekend!