Having the ideal weight is what dominates many people’s thoughts today. Many factors determine a person’s weight. Among these factors are calorie burning, blood-glucose levels, metabolic rate, appetite and fat metabolism. It is important to note that the above factors cannot work efficiently if people do not take minerals optimally. Minerals play a big role in maintaining optimum weight and health. In addition, they co-operate among themselves to make sure all is well in the body.
Among the best minerals that one can use for weight loss is chromium. This mineral is needed in the body for sugar metabolism. If the body does not have sufficient chromium, the insulin in the body will not be as effective in the regulation of blood-glucose levels. Chromium also helps to regulate cravings as well as reduce hunger. For this reason, many herbal diet pills contain chromium, typically in the form of chromium picolinate. Natural food sources of Chromium include molasses, liver, whole grains, fruit juices, hard cheese, beef and egg yolks.
Calcium is also a mineral not only essential for bone health, but may aid in weight loss. According to clinical studies, a positive relationship exists between the intake of calcium and weight loss. Regulated weight loss research revealed that if one increases their calcium intake by about two servings of dairy every day they can reduce overweight risk by almost 70%. It is important to note at this point that fat free milk with lower calories contains similar calcium amount as full-fat milk.
Zinc also falls in the category of best minerals for weight loss. This mineral helps in the regulation of appetite and is necessary for the proper running of hormones such as insulin. Smokers, some vegetarians, chronically ill patients and heavy drinkers are the people who are most affected by Zinc deficiency. People on extremely low calorie or non-nutritious diets have the deficiency as well. Great sources of Zinc in the diet include herring, lean lamb or beef, wheatgerm, eggs, Brazil nuts, chicken, almonds and lentils.
Another mineral that could be helpful for weight loss is manganese. This mineral helps in the regulation of fat metabolism as well as that of blood glucose. People need it for the function of a healthy thyroid, which is essential in the maintenance of a healthy weight. Natural sources of manganese are split peas, tea, wheatgerm, leafy green vegetables, oatmeal, pineapple and nuts.
Vitamins are also counted among the best minerals for weight loss and are required for quite a number of cellular functions that relate to weight loss and can be found in all types of food. Vitamin B1 for instance is essential in the conversion of carbohydrates into energy and is found in fortified cereals, whole grain foods, liver and pork. Vitamin B2 assists in the production of energy within the body’s cells and changes tryptophan into niacin (B3). Vitamin B3 helps a person’s body use fatty acids and sugars and also produces energy within all cells It helps in the proper functioning of enzymes as well. Vitamin B6 assists in the production of insulin ad also changes tyrptophan into serotonin and niacin while B12 helps the body use amino acids and fatty acids.
Many of the best minerals for weight loss are prevalent in unprocessed, natural foods. A diet that is well-balanced and rich in fruits, vegetables, proteins and whole grains will provide almost all of these minerals and will improve your overall health and weight. It is recommended that you do not take large doses of certain minerals in an effort to lose weight. If you want to take a mineral supplement, please discuss this with your doctor, nutritionist or pharmacist before making your choice. Also, always remember that taking minerals for weight loss is only part of the larger picture. Weight loss should be a well-rounded effort that includes a healthy diet and exercise regardless of any supplements you may be taking to lose weight.
Jen Page is a contributing author to Weight-Loss-Center.net, an authority website offering information about Weight Loss, Dieting, Weight Loss Products, and Health.
