How Do Minerals Help Keep Us Safe?

It may be common knowledge that certain mineral supplements provide essential nutrients our bodies need. But did you know that some minerals also protect buildings and our environment? There are many ways that minerals help keep us safe, which is why we should consider sustainable solutions to help safeguard these natural resources in the future.

What are some healthy minerals

If you’ve ever been prescribed a supplement by your doctor, you may have had a mineral deficiency. There are natural dietary sources of immune-boosting minerals such as:

• Zinc and selenium activate enzymes that boost immunity.
• Potassium and sodium regulate fluid balance and nerve impulses, helping your heart maintain a steady rhythm.
• Iron creates hemoglobin in red blood cells that carries oxygen to your cells to prevent anemia, while chromium assists insulin in regulating blood sugar.
• Calcium and fluoride fortify bones and teeth, helping to prevent conditions like osteoporosis and cavities.

Even though minerals are sourced naturally, It’s important to talk to your doctor before taking any supplement.

How minerals help keep building safe and comfortable

Just as some minerals help strengthen our bodies, others can help strengthen building materials.

• Calcite is used in cement and concrete to reinforce foundations, flooring, and walls.
• Gypsum is used in plasterboard to create durable, fire-resistant internal walls.
• Heat-resistant perlite can be used in ceiling tiles and wall panels to help insulate and prevent mold and mildew.
• Diatomaceous earth is also used in concrete mixes to create lightweight blocks that resist water and corrosion.

Not only are these minerals sustainable materials that meet environmental standards, but their non-toxic properties help keep the related products and processes safer to operate.

Why using minerals helps the environment

Minerals come from the earth, so they’re already a more eco-friendly choice than other alternatives. But there are more specific reasons why minerals-based products should be considered and protected.

• When we choose to use a mineral to produce a product, we enable clean energy by not relying on fossil fuels.
• Non-toxic minerals don’t chemically react with other materials it is mixed with, limiting harmful emissions.
• Since minerals like perlite are natural insulators, incorporating it into products helps to reduce heat transmission and improve energy efficiency.
• Absorbent perlite and vermiculite help retain water in soil, which conserves usage, limits the need for chemical fertilizers, and supports ecosystems.

While minerals offer a variety of environmental benefits, it’s important to responsibly mine these resources and manage the extraction sites. Dicalite Management Group understands the importance of sustainable practices to maintain the benefits of these natural materials while still protecting precious sources so that minerals can continue to keep people, places, and properties safe.