4 Excellent Macromineral Foods

The macrominerals are a group of seven nutrients (calcium, chloride, magnesium, phosphorus, potassium, sodium and sulphur) that support all round good health. Some of their main functions include fighting disease, helping your body absorb various nutrients, keeping your bones and teeth strong and promoting healthy metabolism. But how can you ensure that you get the required levels of each one? Read on for a list of four excellent macromineral foods.

1) ALMONDS:- Almonds are an excellent food to have in your diet and contain high levels of two important macrominerals. 100 grams (g) provides you with 266 milligrams (mg) of calcium and 279mg of magnesium. Calcium is a key nutrient for building strong bones and teeth whilst magnesium supports metabolism, promotes proper circulation and protects against diabetes and heart disease. On top of this almonds contain high levels of monounsaturated fat (which controls blood cholesterol levels, controls blood glucose levels and reduces your cancer risk), protein (which is responsible for building, maintaining and repairing the body's cells), vitamin B2 (which helps break down food for energy), vitamin E (an antioxidant which protects your body from oxygen related damage), copper (which keeps your blood and bones healthy) and manganese (which helps activate numerous important enzymes).

2) BEEF FILLET STEAK:- Despite claims to the contrary, beef is a very nutritious food and very rich in certain macrominerals. A 100g serving of beef fillet steak gives you 265mg of phosphorus and 470mg of potassium. Phosphorus works with calcium to build strong bones and teeth whilst potassium supports healthy growth and metabolism. Beef fillet steak also contains high levels of monounsaturated fat, certain B complex vitamins (B2, B3, B6 and B12 which all help your body break down food for energy) and the microminerals selenium (an antioxidant which protects your body from damaging free radicals) and zinc (which keeps your immune system strong and healthy).

3) CHICKEN:- Chicken is a fantastic macomineral food. 100g supplies you with 190mg of phosphorus and 300mg of sulphur. Sulphur is well known for its soothing properties and helps keep your joints and skin healthy. Chicken is also rich in protein, vitamin B3, vitamin B6 and selenium making it a nutrient packed meat.

4) OLIVES:- Olives can be added to many dishes and supply you with high levels of the macrominerals chloride and sodium. A 100g portion provides you with 300mg of chloride and 1800mg of sodium. Chloride helps your body absorb a number of minerals whilst sodium supports muscle and nerve contractions. On top of this olives contain high levels of dietary fibre (which can reduce constipation and improve blood glucose control), monounsaturated fat, vitamin E, copper and iron (which is essential for energy production and oxygen distribution).

If you are struggling to get your daily requirement for each macromineral then start eating some of the foods listed in this article. Not only will they give you a helping of each macromineral but they are also rich in many other nutrients making them an excellent choice for all round good health.