Are Minerals Organic or Inorganic-
Is Mineral Intake Organic or Inorganic?
The consistent narrative highlights our need for increased mineral intake. The phrase "vitamins and minerals" is commonly used in conjunction when talking about nutritious foods and supplements. The human body actually requires around 70 different minerals to carry out its numerous functions. However, while minerals are vital to our physiological demands, they are not organic. They occur naturally but are not derived from living organisms, classifying them as inorganic.
Differentiating Organic Compounds from Inorganic Minerals:
Organic compounds differ from minerals; they are made up of carbon and hydrogen atoms, aligning with the same clockwise electron spin as the human body. These compounds can form ionic bonds with the body, facilitating material breakdown and aiding in functions such as tissue repair. They may also contain elements such as oxygen, nitrogen, sulfur, and phosphorus. While some organic compounds interact with minerals in geological or biological settings, they are not considered minerals themselves.
In contrast, inorganic minerals are natural substances without carbon-hydrogen bonds and are not produced by living organisms. Examples include elements like iron, calcium, sodium, potassium, and magnesium, as well as compounds such as quartz, feldspar, and mica. These minerals play essential roles in geological, industrial, and biological processes, but not in human physiological functions.
The Verdict on Mineral Water:
Inorganic minerals are absorbed by water sources upon contacting the earth, such as a river passing through a canyon. During the evaporation phase of the water cycle, these minerals are left behind as water evaporates. This process is similarly replicated through artificial filtering, resulting in distilled water.
Mineral-infused drinking water is generally considered safe and may provide health benefits, such as calcium and magnesium for bone health. However, excessive amounts of certain minerals, like lead, arsenic, and fluoride, can negatively impact health, leading to various issues depending on the type and quantity of the mineral.
Inorganic substances are not easily utilized by our cells for nourishment, which means if they are not excreted, they tend to accumulate in the body. This accumulation can lead to conditions like arthritis, joint pain, kidney and gallstones, and even arterial blockages.
Lime, or calcium carbonate, is a典型 example. Consider its effect on your bathtub—it requires a strong cleaner and considerable effort to remove deposits. Some individuals experience lime concentrations so high that their hands and fingers become severely deformed.
Dr. Norman W. Walker, in his book "Water Can Undermine Your Health," suggests that if a person drinks two pints of water daily over a 70-year lifespan, it totals approximately 4,500 gallons. He estimates that if this water is not distilled, it could contain 200 to 300 pounds of unusable mineral deposits, including lime and magnesium. He acknowledges that the body’s systems work to expel much of this, but some remains, leading to the aforementioned health issues.
Regular testing of drinking water for mineral content is crucial to ensure it meets safety standards.
Determining Mineral Presence in Water:
To check for inorganic minerals in your water, simply fill a pot and let it evaporate. The water cycle leaves behind only what isn’t hydrogen or oxygen. If you notice mineral deposits, you may want to consider using distilled water or investing in a reverse osmosis filtration system.
Continue Reading: Are Minerals in Drinking Water Beneficial?