Today I wanted to tell you about two of the most important trace minerals in promoting longevity.
In the Chinese region of Bama in Southern China, many residents live to be more than 100 years old. Many scientists have researched this phenomenon and there is a whole industry developing around it. Although there are other places in the world where people tend to live longer and healthier than others (such as Vilcabamba in Ecuador, Agimi in Japan and Campodimele in Italy) they all share a common trait, minerals in the water.
In a study on trace mineral concentration in the hair of healthy Chinese centenarians, it was found that the only two trace minerals that were in the normal range in all the subjects were Zinc and Copper.
Zinc and Copper make the enzyme SOD (Superoxide Dismutase) which is involved in longevity. Zinc is needed for the manufacturing of over 2,000 different enzymes and it is believed that over 2 Billion people, planet-wide, are currently deficient in Zinc.
Zinc is needed for DNA longevity and repair, it helps protect the liver against toxins, supports digestion, healthy skin and immunity.
Copper is an essential nutrient for the body. Together with iron, it enables the body to form red blood cells. It helps maintain healthy bones, blood vessels, nerves, and immune function, and it contributes to iron absorption. Enough copper in the diet may help prevent cardiovascular disease and osteoporosis.