Minerals are essential for the basic functions of the human body to take place. They help to control bone growth, regulate fluids, normalize nerve and muscle functions, keep up metabolism, grow connective tissues, and so much more. The following nutrients commonly found in drinking water at potentially significant levels and of particular interest in this assessment are:
· Calcium - It makes your bones and teeth strong, and helps your muscles contract and your blood clot. Calcium is also involved in blood pressure control and heart function. It ensures healthy hair, skin and nails.
· Magnesium - Magnesium is a versatile mineral, which is vital for the growth and maintenance of teeth and bones. It’s also vital for the relaxation of muscles and is necessary for the development and functioning of a healthy heart and nervous system. It also helps ensure the proper release of energy from ingested food, as well as ensuring the maintenance of cell walls. Magnesium is essential for the correct transportation of glucose in the bloodstream and the release of the hormone insulin, which helps control blood sugar levels.
· Fluoride - Fluoride hardens your bones and tooth enamel. Fluoride is absorbed into a child’s teeth as they form.
· Sodium - Sodium helps your body maintain its water balance and pH. It enables your cell walls to draw in nutrients. It plays a role in muscle contraction. Sodium works in close association with chlorine and potassium.
· Copper - Copper is necessary for your body to convert the mineral iron into hemoglobin, the pigment that makes your blood red and carries oxygen around your body. It also helps make tyrosine, an amino acid precursor of the thyroid hormones, some of the neurotransmitters and also helps give your hair and skin its color.
Copper also assists in the function of the proteins that make you grow, as well as assisting in the workings of your nerves, the release of energy and the control of inflammation and free radical damage. Copper, with zinc and manganese, form an essential part of all the antioxidant enzymes of the body by acting as co-factors for optimal enzyme functioning.
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· Selenium - Selenium operates as co-factor to your antioxidant enzyme systems, protecting your cells from damage by neutralizing free radicals, which have been linked to heart disease and some cancers. It also bonds with metals such as mercury and arsenic, preventing them from causing illness. Selenium keeps sperm and the prostate gland healthy in men
· Potassium - Potassium plays a vital role in the functioning of your muscles, heart and nerves. It ensures that your body’s fluid levels remain balanced and that your body is neither too alkaline nor too acidic. It also prevents calcium from being lost in your urine.