Trace elements: what they are and why they are important

Have you heard of trace elements but are not sure how many there are or how to obtain them? This article is for you. We want to explain the basics of this concept in a clear and simple way.

We have already told you that there are many of them and that we usually obtain them through diet. However, it is useful to know them and, especially, to identify their functions in order to be able to strengthen our organism at those times when we need to help our body.

So, this time we will tell you all about trace elements, what they are, why they are important for the body and how to obtain them naturally.

Trace elements: what they are

Trace elements are mineral substances that are present in the human body in very small quantities. In fact, the Greek prefix oligo means ‘small’. In fact, the amount is so small that their presence in the body is less than 1 mg/kg body weight.

The trace elements that are essential for the body are: boron, chromium, cobalt, copper, fluorine, iron, manganese, molybdenum, nickel, selenium, silica, vanadium, iodine and zinc. These are the so-called essential trace elements, without which the body cannot perform its essential functions.

What are trace elements good for?

Our body cannot produce them, so it is essential that our diet provides us with the trace elements that are essential for the proper functioning of the human body.

Despite being present in such small quantities, trace elements are essential for good health and fitness. This is because they are involved in many vital functions in our bodies:

• Metabolic or enzymatic reactions.
• Good functioning of the immune system.
• Strengthening of tissues, such as bones and teeth.
• Expression of certain hormonal signals.

Let’s look at how essential trace elements can help us:

• Chromium: involved in the metabolism of sugars, reinforcing the action of insulin and promoting the entry of glucose into the cells.
• Cobalt: essential component of vitamin B12, regulates the neurovegetative system and blood pressure.
• Copper: involved in the synthesis and function of haemoglobin. It also stimulates the immune system.
• Tin: necessary for hair growth and various bioelectrical functions of the body.
• Fluoride: helps to fix calcium in the bones, it is essential during periods of growth and bone formation. It also cares for the teeth.
• Iron: involved in the synthesis and function of haemoglobin.
• Lithium: acts on the nervous system and is useful in all kinds of heart conditions.
• Manganese: essential for bones and reproductive function. Supplementation has also been shown to improve allergy symptoms.
• Molybdenum: involved in the absorption of iron and in the detoxification processes of nitro compounds.
• Nickel: involved in the processes of growth, blood cell formation and defence of the body.
• Selenium: is a very powerful antioxidant necessary for the proper functioning of muscles. It also protects the cardiovascular system.
• Silica: essential for bones, skin, hair and nails. It is essential for the formation of the skeleton. Lack of this trace element leads to loss of elasticity of the skin and other tissues.
• Vanadium: increases and improves insulin-controlled mechanisms and increases muscle glycogen levels.
• Iodine: essential for the proper functioning of the thyroid and thyroid hormones that regulate basal metabolism, i.e. they are vital for growth and functions of other body systems.
• Zinc: involved in the functioning of certain hormones and growth processes; also supports the immune system.

How to obtain trace elements naturally

Trace elements that are essential for the body are obtained from the diet.

The foods with the most trace elements are:

• Nuts: the vast majority of nuts contain trace elements such as selenium and zinc. Pumpkin seeds, sesame seeds, almonds and pine nuts are rich in magnesium. Pumpkin seeds stand out for their iron and almonds for their calcium.
• Whole grains: in addition to fibre, the bran and germ of grains contain trace elements such as iron, selenium, silica and magnesium.
• Pulses: the vast majority of pulses are rich in iron, zinc, potassium and silica, the latter being particularly present in chickpeas and red lentils.
• Lean meats, fish and eggs contain iodine, iron and copper.
• Vegetables such as watercress, spinach and chard have calcium; mushrooms and artichokes have potassium; radishes, cabbage and lettuce have magnesium and iron.

You can supplement your diet with products such as these:

• G7 Activ+ with silica and magnesium, specially formulated to care for your joints.
• G7 Beauty with silica and selenium, which keeps your skin, hair and nails healthy and strong.
• Orgono Articomplex, with silica, zinc and magnesium, recommended for recovering the body after exercise. It also improves sports performance.
• G7 Original, which is very well assimilated as well as being more bioavailable than other forms of silica.

So nourish your body with a balanced diet rich in trace elements, supplement it with natural products such as those formulated with silica, do regular sport and rest. These are the keys to a full and healthy life.