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Minerals are inorganic
substances that the body needs in very small quantities. There are
twenty two metallic elements in the body which make up about 4 percent
of total body weight.
Minerals are found
abundantly in the soil and water of the planet and eventually are taken
in by the root systems of plants. Human beings obtain minerals by
eating the plants or by eating the animals that eat the plants. If you
eat a variety of meats and vegetables in your diet, you can usually
depend on getting a sufficiency of minerals.
The minerals in the body
play a part in variety of metabolic processes and contribute to the
synthesis of such elements as glycogen,
protein, and fats.
Chromium is an essential
mineral required by the body and experts do agree that it plays a role
in aiding insulin in doing its job.
Some claims have
been made that chromium picolinate can help a person lose fat and build
muscle and have more energy while other studies suggest that chromium
picolinate can cause damage to the genetic composition of tissue.
In theory any element that
aids insulin can help in metabolizing fats and proteins as well as
helping nutrients get into cell tissue to feed and nourish cells.
Without further study and
analysis it is difficult to say if chromium lives up to its reputation
or just all hype.
Supplementation of chromium
is rather controversial and toxicity by over consumption can be quite
damaging so please seek the advice of a health care professional before
pursuing the supplementation of this mineral.
Related Reading
Chromium Picolinate -
http://www.chasefreedom.com/chromiumpicolinate.html
Linus Pauling Institute -
http://lpi.oregonstate.edu/infocenter/minerals/chromium/index.html
DISCLAIMER: This
information is not presented by a medical practitioner and is for
educational and informational purposes only. The content is not
intended to be a
substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or
treatment. Always seek
the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with
any questions
you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard
professional medical
advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read.
Since natural and/or dietary supplements are not FDA approved they must
be
accompanied by a two-part disclaimer on the product label: that the
statement
has not been evaluated by FDA and that the product is not intended to
"diagnose,
treat, cure or prevent any disease."
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