Minerals - Eat for Health - Easily Understand Nutrients 6

Author: Wang Qianghu
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2006-06-01
Features: What exactly is an enzyme? Nutritionists and biologists say that enzymes do not constitute the structural components of the human body and do not provide energy themselves, but participate in the metabolic and energy metabolism processes within the body. They are often referred to as "miraculous biological catalysts." Minerals play a specific active role in enzyme systems: some minerals are important components of various enzymes in the body. In known enzyme molecules, most contain one or more metal atoms. When an enzyme molecule loses a trace amount of metal, its activity is lost or reduced; when it regains these trace metals, its activity returns to normal. Therefore, minerals are indispensable factors in stimulating enzyme activity, with some even acting as enzyme activators. For example: manganese is a component of superoxide dismutase, selenium is a component of glutathione peroxidase, and molybdenum is a component of nitrite reductase. The activity of these enzymes is activated by the elements of manganese, selenium, and molybdenum, respectively. Similarly, elements such as zinc, iron, copper, and nickel also have their corresponding enzymes. A lack of minerals will disrupt physiological metabolism. In the carriers of genetic information—nucleic acids—minerals also have a presence. For instance, manganese can activate deoxyribonuclease, ensuring that genetic information is not altered during transmission.