Preventive and therapeutic properties of vitamins are known by the population, but not so with the minerals, their properties and the source for ...
Minerals consumed in the diet, also known as trace elements are needed in the body in very small amounts and are essential to maintain health. Not been determined although its functions in the body, but have been described dysfunctions or diseases that can lead to lack. This is true in the case of selenium, zinc, copper and magnesium to prevent cancer. The vast majority of foods contain all the trace elements necessary and sufficient.
Selenium is a component of the antioxidant enzyme glutathione peroxidase, an essential part of our body's defense against free radicals. Along with a number of other minerals and vitamins, is part of the main body's antioxidant defense, protecting cells, cell membranes and fatty acids. It also increases the production of white blood cells, neutralizes the effect of heavy metals and prevents mutations.
It is therefore considered an essential mineral in the body's antioxidant defenses facing the action of free radicals. Many say that is also involved in reducing the toxicity of certain herbicides, chlorinated hydrocarbons, nitrates and heavy metals.
Found in small amounts in foods of animal origin such as meat and seafood, as well as grains and nuts, but its concentration varies according to the place where it is consumed, since the land in each region has different amounts of selenium. There are regions where selenium intake is low and very high level of colorectal cancer, prostate and lung cancer. It is recognized that their efforts to prevent cancer is performed in conjunction with vitamin E.
Zinc is an essential trace element, it is involved in the metabolism of proteins and nucleic acids. Participates in the stimulation of a hundred enzymes and works with the immune system, among its many functions. Your participation in metabolism is what gives its protective properties to be part of the antioxidant defense available to the body. Is found in foods of animal origin such as meat, poultry, fish and seafood, and vegetable sources like nuts, legumes and cereals.
Copper is related to immune system activity and share antioxidant properties. Activity described in adequate doses and protective cancerous processes. Copper-rich foods include vegetables, legumes, cereals, fruits, nuts, chocolate, plus meats and fish.
Magnesium is important in some three hundred enzymatic reactions essential. Because of these various roles, perhaps there are still contradictions with its possible contribution to the prevention and treatment of some diseases. However, the Magnesium is part of many enzymes, some of which are potent antioxidants in the respiratory chain leading to the generation of adenosine triphosphate ATP-English-and water level of the mitochondria. Also works in the activation of amino acids and the synthesis and degradation of deoxyribonucleic acid-DNA. These roles identify it as an important nutrient in preventing cancer. Sources of magnesium are nuts, whole grains, eggs, seafood and dairy products.
