Five Elements for Your Dinner Table

Wow, so it turns out Chemistry class is useful after all! When trying to stay healthy and fit, it is obviously important to have proper nutrition. Some very important chemicals, however, are often overlooked.

In this post I'll be writing about five important chemical elements and how to periodically incorporate them into your diet.

Calcium:

Element #20 is the most abundant mineral in the body! This is because it makes up our bones and teeth. New calcium is constantly being deposited and absorbed from bones, even if they seem unchanging. If the absorption rate is higher than the rate of formation, bone loss occurs which is very bad. It leads to osteoporosis and other health issues with age. That is why it is important eat foods rich in calcium such as milk and dairy foods. If you are lactose intolerant or just don't like milk, you can always stock up on dark green vegetables, fish and almonds! 

Potassium:

This reactive alkali metal helps your cells use glucose for energy! It's also an electrolyte, and plays a crucial role in heart function and muscle contraction. The amount of potassium needed depends on the amount of salt in your diet, since sodium increases blood pressure and potassium lowers it. Western food contains a ton of salt, and most people don't even reach get enough potassium in the first place! But don't worry; its K. There are a lot of foods rich in this element, such as beans, bananas, and avocados! 

  

Iron:

The most common element by mass in the Earth isn't only used to flatten clothes! Iron forms the basic parts of many of our enzymes and proteins. It is chiefly involved in the transportation of oxygen from blood cells to organs. While too much iron can be toxic, not getting enough can lead to improper oxygen delivery, a lousy immune system and getting tired easily. Mollusks, liver, pumpkin/squash seeds and nuts like almonds and cashews are all great sources of iron.     

Iodine:

"What is this thing you call iodine, and what does it have to do with my health?" You may have never heard of this halogen as something healthy to eat before, but it actually is very important. Your thyroid gland requires iodine to create the hormones T3 and T4, which control how efficiently you burn calories. That's right; without enough iodine in your body, you'll feel fatigued and gain weight. People have actually been falling towards iodine deficiency since the 70's. I'm-a-dyin' to dine on some foods rich in iodine! Luckily there are many foods packed with this element: sea vegetables, cranberries, yogurt, and potatoes are just a few examples.    

Chromium:

Not much is known about chromium and its mysterious ways, but that it is critical in the production of insulin. Insulin is a hormone necessary to metabolism and the storage of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins. Good chromium levels have to be maintained as to avoid obesity. Chromium is rather hard to find, as foods only have a small amount per serving. Foods relatively rich in element #24 are broccoli, grape juice, grains and several spices like garlic and basil.




There you have it: five chemical elements to help you stay healthy! For more information on fancy minerals and vitamins that are good for you, check out this link. And since you bothered to read this whole post, have some bonus chemistry puns!

Q: Did you hear potassium went on a date with oxygen!?

A: It went OK..

Q: Does anyone want to hear a joke about sodium?

A: Na.

Helium walks into the bar and orders a drink.

The bartender said, "Hey, we don't serve noble gasses here!"

Helium doesn't react. 

A proton and a neutron are walking down the street.

The proton says, "Wait, I dropped an electron! Help me look for it." 

The neutron says, "Are you sure?" The proton replies, "I'm positive!"