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The vitamins and minerals contained in the foods you eat are essential for the maintenance and healthy functioning of your body.

Optimal health and well-being cannot be achieved without the presence of essential vitamins and minerals. They are required so that our bodies can function properly on every level, and in most cases (with a few exceptions) cannot be manufactured inside the body. Therefore, we must obtain them from outside sources, eating them as part of our diet.

In their natural state, vitamins and minerals are found in tiny quantities in foods. However, the body only requires a small amount of each.

Minuscule in volume when compared to other nutrients such as carbohydrates and proteins, vitamins and minerals are like tiny screws in the machine of the body, and even thought they aren't visible, without them the machine would fall apart. Working behind the scenes, vitamins and minerals facilitate subtle processes and fine-tune the systems of the body.

It is good to remember that every individual has slightly different vitamin and mineral requirements, depending on factors-such as diet, stress levels, age and general health. Most vitamins and minerals are measured in milligrams or micrograms, but the fat-soluble vitamins (A, E, D and K) are often measure in IU (International Units).

Basic guidelines for ideal vitamin and mineral intake for the average member of the population have been set out by various governments. The most common term is:

RDA This is Recommended Daily Allowance (RDA) as established in accordance with the World Health Organization.

The essential nutrients are divided into specific groups based on how your body manufactures or stores the substance and how much of it you need.

TRACE MINERALS

Trace minerals are so called because they are needed in smaller quantities than the other minerals, but they are equally essential to health.

Chloride This works with potassium in balancing fluids.
Chromium This is essential for controlling blood sugar levels.
Fluoride Fluoride reduces tooth decay and strengthens bones.
Iodine This is required by the thyroid gland to produce hormones.
Manganese This is essential for the production of sex hormones.
Selenium and sulfur Both these minerals stimulate the immune system.

Selenium is only required in tiny amounts by the body just four brazil nuts contain your daily requirement.

MAJOR MINERALS
Like vitamins, minerals are a vital component in essential body processes. The body can synthesize some vitamins, but it

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