Mineral Contribution

How do minerals in the fertilizers gardeners put in the soil of plants like vegetables affect the plant’s growth? What do these minerals contain that help the plants to grow?

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What minerals are the most essential to the strength and structural integrity of bones and what is needed for these minerals to be absorbed?

This is the mineral most people think of when the hear about bone health. It is the most abundant mineral in the body with most of it being present in the teeth and bones When you don’t consume enough calcium, your body robs it from your bones in order to make up for the difference. Supplements can be taken for this mineral, but it is best to have it absorbed into your body through the food you eat

In order for the body to be able to absorb the Calcium, Vitamin D must also be present in the body Phosphorous can also aid in the absorption process Calcium can found in tofu, broccoli, and dairy products like milk, yogurt, and cheese

The main purpose of phosphorous is to help the body absorb calcium. Without the help of phosphorous, it would be even harder for calcium to be absorbed than it already is with the average person’s unbalanced diet The two main sources of phosphorous are meat and milk– but too much meat and phosphorous can make the body need even more calcium to balance out the equation

According to the National Institutes of Health, Magnesium “…contributes to the structural development of bone…” when proper levels are maintained. To get proper amounts of magnesium, almonds, spinach, and cashews can be eaten with meals ("Magnesium." — Health Professional Fact Sheet. USA.gov, 04 Nov Web. 29 Mar )  for all information here

Zinc is essential for protein synthesis in the bones. One study found that zinc, when introduced to newborn rats, powerfully stimulated the process of protein synthesis in bones Zinc also keeps osteoclasts from removing bone that is still healthy and does not need to be removed The best way to absorb zinc into your body is through meat and other animal proteins Phytates from legumes and foods high in fiber may interfere with this absorption process

“About 99 percent of calcium and 85 percent of phosphorus in the body is found in the bones and teeth, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. These two minerals work together to keep bones strong and prevent osteoporosis, a bone- thinning disease.” (Sheehan, Jan. "Healthy Eating." Healthy Eating. Hearst Communications, n.d. Web. 27 Mar )