Whilst vitamins often steal the limelight on food packaging and in adverts, there is another group of micronutrients without which our bodies would simply cease to function. These are minerals. These inorganic substances, derived from the earth and water, are literally the building blocks of our bodies. Not only do they form our bones and teeth, but they also act as catalysts that trigger thousands of enzymatic reactions, maintain our heart’s rhythm and ensure we have energy from the moment the alarm clock goes off in the morning until we fall asleep at night.
Here is a detailed look at why these substances are absolutely essential to our daily lives, with a focus on four key ‘heroes’:
1. IRON
Without iron, we would literally be gasping for breath. This mineral is the main component of haemoglobin – the protein in red blood cells that is responsible for transporting oxygen from the lungs to every single cell in your body.
It maintains high energy levels, promotes concentration and supports the proper functioning of the immune system. Iron deficiency manifests as extreme tiredness, pale skin, a feeling of being cold and an inability to concentrate. Dr LUCULLUS’s premium Iron dietary supplement supports your nervous system, red blood cell production and gives you strength. It is also suitable for improving concentration and helps combat anaemia. A varied diet is also important, and you can find iron in foods such as red meat, liver, lentils, spinach and pumpkin seeds.
2. MAGNESIUM
Magnesium is involved in more than 300 biochemical processes in the body. In a world full of stress and hustle and bustle, magnesium is our best internal defence. It acts as a relaxant for both the muscles and the nervous system.
It helps to relieve muscle tension, improves sleep quality, regulates blood pressure and alleviates feelings of anxiety. It also helps the body convert food into usable energy. A magnesium deficiency can manifest as muscle cramps, twitching around the eyes, irritability, or problems with sleep and fatigue. Dr LUCULLUS offers a premium magnesium supplement that covers practically everything you need. Whether it’s for proper muscle and nerve function, good bone health, or to reduce fatigue, anxiety or tension. In your diet, you can find it in dark leafy vegetables, nuts (almonds, cashews), bananas or high-quality dark chocolate.
3. ZINC
Zinc supports our immune system and helps repair our cells. It plays a role in cell division and DNA synthesis. We often come across the term ‘Zinc forte’ – the word ‘forte’ (strong) usually refers to a dietary supplement containing a higher, more concentrated dose of zinc. Such a dose is particularly useful at times when you feel your body is weakened or when dealing with acute skin problems.
Zinc helps to shorten the duration of the common cold, promotes wound healing and keeps your skin healthy (it is often used to combat acne). It is essential for testosterone production and a healthy reproductive system. If you are deficient in zinc, this can manifest as frequent illnesses, slow wound healing, hair loss or even a loss of taste or smell.You can top up your zinc levels with the high-quality dietary supplement Zinc Forte by Dr LUCULLUS, which effectively protects the body. It will strengthen your nails, hair and skin, and support your hormonal balance and reproductive health. You can find zinc in foods such as oysters, seafood, beef, pumpkin seeds and pulses.
4. CALCIUM
Calcium is the most abundant mineral in the human body. When people hear the word ‘calcium’, they immediately think of bones and teeth. However, its role is far more dynamic than you might think.
It ensures the structural strength of the skeleton, thereby protecting against osteoporosis. It is also important for the blood and muscles, enabling them to contract (including the heart), and ensures blood clotting and the transmission of nerve signals.Dr LUCULLUS offers CalMag, a balanced combination of calcium and magnesium which, in a single step, targets strong bones, healthy muscles and mental wellbeing. If there is a deficiency, the body begins to ‘steal’ it from the bones, leading to thinning and brittleness. Problems with teeth and numbness in the fingers may also occur. In a varied diet, you can find these minerals in dairy products such as cheese and yoghurt, as well as in poppy seeds, sardines, broccoli and tofu.
Balance starts with a balanced diet, which provides you with all the essential nutrients your body needs to function on a daily basis. But sometimes diet alone isn’t enough, and we need to turn to nutritional supplements, which are an excellent aid during periods of increased mental or physical stress, or when there’s a deficiency of a specific nutrient. Think of your body as a complex orchestra that needs its instruments – in our case, minerals – to ensure that you ‘play’ without any false notes.
