Phosphorus
Phosphorus, with the chemical symbol of P, is an essential mineral in the body. It plays a significant role in the body's ability to metabolize protein, calcium and glucose. About 85% of this mineral is concentrated in the skeletal system where it plays a pivotal role in the development of strong bones and teeth.
The cells of your body need this mineral in order to grow and develop at a normal rate. It assists the heart in its contractions and the kidneys in excreting waste from the body. It supports the body's conversion of glucose into energy and helps maintain the proper pH levels in the body. Your body also needs this mineral for the support it gives in the absorption of vitamins from the foods you eat.
Phosphorus is critical to all life, which means that it is present in virtually all foods. The richest food sources are dairy products, meat and fish. Since vegetarians are limited to fish as a food source for this mineral, they can also obtain what their body needs from nuts, seeds, peas and beans.
When the body absorbs the mineral from these food sources, it stores it as phytic acid. Since the body has a limited ability to extract the mineral from this acid, you will only get about half of what your body needs from these foods. Some of the best foods to include in your diet to ensure you receive the correct amounts of this mineral are:
- crab
- salmon
- shrimp
- cheese
- meat
- mussels
- liver
- milk
- beans
- nuts
- garlic
- pumpkin seeds
- canned fish
- chicken
continue to Phosphorus Part 2