The biological role of mineral salts and acids. What are mineral salts, what and what role do they play in human life. Foods for the brain - how to charge the brain

Mineral salts are needed by our body in the same way as proteins, carbohydrates, fats and water. Almost the entire periodic system of Mendeleev is represented in the cells of our body, but the role and significance of some elements in metabolism has not yet been fully studied. With regard to mineral salts and water, it is known that they are important participants in the process of metabolism in the cell.

They are part of the cell, without them the metabolism is disturbed. And since our body does not have large reserves of salts, it is necessary to ensure their regular intake. This is where food products containing a large set of minerals help us.

mineral salts are essential components of a healthy life. They are actively involved not only in the process of metabolism, but also in the electrochemical processes of the nervous system of muscle tissue. They are also necessary in the formation of structures such as the skeleton and teeth. Some minerals also play the role of a catalyst in many biochemical reactions in our body.

Minerals are divided into two groups:

• those that are needed by the body in relatively large quantities. These are macronutrients;
• those needed in small quantities. These are micronutrients.

All of them not only act as catalysts, but also activate enzymes during chemical reactions. Therefore, trace elements, even if they act in infinitesimal amounts, are necessary for the body in the same way as macronutrients. At present, scientists have not yet come to a consensus on the amounts of trace elements that should be ingested in the body for this to be considered ideal. Suffice it to say that the lack of trace elements can lead to various diseases.

We use more salts table salt which is composed of sodium and chlorine. Sodium is involved in regulating the amount of water in the body, and chlorine, combining with hydrogen, forms hydrochloric acid of gastric juice, which is very important in digestion.

Insufficient consumption of table salt leads to increased excretion of water from the body and insufficient formation of hydrochloric acid in gastric juice. Excess salt leads to water retention in the body, which contributes to the appearance of edema. Together with potassium, sodium affects the functions of the brain and nerves.

Potassium- This is one of the most important elements contained in the cell. It is necessary to maintain the excitability of the nervous and muscle tissues. Without potassium, it is impossible to supply the brain with glucose. Potassium deficiency negatively affects the readiness of the brain to work. A person's ability to concentrate is weakened, and vomiting and diarrhea may even occur.

Potassium salts are found in sufficient quantities in potatoes, legumes, cabbage and many other vegetables. Including fish, meat and poultry in the diet, you get the required amount of this element. The need for potassium is about 4 grams per day, which can be met by drinking a glass of banana milk, for example, or eating a serving of vegetable salad.

Calcium salts necessary for the stabilization of the cell membranes of brain cells and nerve cells, as well as for the normal development of bone tissue. Calcium metabolism in the body is regulated by vitamin D and hormones. The lack of calcium in the body, as well as its excess, can have very harmful consequences.

The risk of calcium-containing kidney stones can be prevented by drinking enough mineral water. Calcium in high concentrations and in a good ratio with phosphorus (approximately from 1:1 to 2:1) is found in milk and dairy products, with the exception of ice cream, cottage cheese, and young, soft and processed cheese.

The ratio of calcium and potassium salts is important for the normal functioning of the heart muscle. In their absence or deficiency, cardiac activity slows down, and soon stops completely.

Phosphorus responsible for the production of energy from nutrients. By interacting with vitamin D and calcium, it provides the body with warmth and energy to support all its functions, including the functions of the brain and nerves. The leaders in phosphorus content are milk and dairy products. The daily need for phosphorus is from 800 to 1000 milligrams.

An insufficient supply of phosphorus to the body is practically impossible. When compiling your diet, try not to have a deficiency of phosphorus, but also do not allow it to be excessive, which negatively affects the supply of calcium to the body. Try to stick to a body-friendly 1:1 to 2:1 ratio of phosphorus to calcium, and you won't have to make sure you eat foods that are low in phosphorus.

Magnesium is one of the important minerals for our body. The intake of magnesium salts is simply necessary for all cells. It plays a decisive role in protein, fat and carbohydrate metabolism and is responsible for all important body functions. This element, due to which conduction is carried out along the fibers of the nervous system, regulates the lumen of blood vessels, as well as the work of the intestines. Recent studies have shown that magnesium protects the body from the negative effects of stress by stabilizing the cell membranes of nerve cells.

With a lack of magnesium, severe disorders are possible in all areas of the body, for example, a weakening of memory and the ability to concentrate, as well as severe nervousness and irritability. An excess of magnesium in the body, as a rule, does not happen, since our body itself releases it through the kidneys, intestines and skin.

Iron is part of hemoglobin - a substance that carries oxygen from the lungs to cells and tissues. Therefore, we can safely say that iron is perhaps the most important element for the human body. With insufficient supply of iron to the body, various ailments associated with a lack of oxygen appear.

The brain is especially affected by this - the main consumer of oxygen, which instantly loses its ability to work. True, it should be noted that our body uses iron reserves very carefully, and its content usually drops sharply only due to blood loss.

Fluorine is part of the tooth enamel, so people living in areas where drinking water is poor in this element, teeth deteriorate more often. Now modern toothpastes come to the rescue in such cases.

Iodine is also a vital element. It is involved in the synthesis of thyroid hormones. With iodine deficiency, thyroid pathologies (“goiter”) gradually develop. A large amount of iodine is found in seafood of both animal and vegetable origin.

Copper and its salts are involved in the processes of hematopoiesis. Copper "works" in close cooperation with iron and vitamin C, supplying the body with oxygen and nourishing the nerve sheaths. With a deficiency of this element in the body, iron is poorly used for its intended purpose, anemia develops. Copper deficiency can also cause mental disorders.

Chromium plays an important role as an insulin regulator in its blood sugar management function. If there is not enough chromium, blood sugar levels rise, which can lead to diabetes. Chromium stimulates the activity of enzymes that are involved in the process of glucose metabolism and in the synthesis of fatty acids and proteins. A lack of chromium can cause an increase in blood cholesterol levels, which creates the risk of a stroke.

An integral part of more than 150 enzymes and hormones is zinc providing protein and fat metabolism. Recent studies suggest that zinc plays an important role in learning processes, because it controls the biochemical bonds between brain cells. Many experts believe that the lack of zinc affects the nervous system, because of this, states of fear, depressive disorders, incoherence of thoughts, speech are disturbed, and there are also difficulties in walking and moving.

Because zinc, like copper, is found in many foods, there is very little risk of deficiency. With a proper healthy diet, involving the use of meat, fish, eggs, dairy products, vegetables and fruits, the body receives a sufficient amount of this element. The daily requirement for zinc is 15 micrograms.

Cobalt- Another element that is responsible for supplying the brain with oxygen. Cobalt gives vitamin B12 a special quality: it is the only vitamin that has a metal atom in its molecule - and right in the middle. Together with its vitamin B12, cobalt is involved in the production of red blood cells and thus supplies the brain with oxygen. And if the body lacks vitamin B12, it means that it is deficient in cobalt, and vice versa.

The dish that I offer you today will provide the body not only with cobalt, but also with all other mineral salts, carbohydrates, a sufficient amount of protein and fat.

Veal liver in Provençal style

Prepare 4 servings of veal liver, 1 large onion, a few cloves of garlic, half a bunch of parsley. We will also need ½ teaspoon of aromatic ground spices, a pinch of dried thyme, 1 tablespoon of flour, 1 teaspoon of ground sweet red pepper, 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil, 1 tablespoon of margarine, salt and pepper to taste.

Chop the onion and garlic very finely, finely chop the parsley and mix with onion, garlic, thyme and spices. Mix the flour and sweet ground pepper and roll the liver in this mixture. Heat vegetable oil together with margarine in a frying pan and fry the liver on both sides over medium heat for about 3 minutes. Liver pieces should be 1 cm thick.

Then salt the liver, pepper and put on a heated dish. Pour the previously prepared mixture into the fat remaining in the pan. Simmer this mixture for 1 minute and sprinkle it over the liver.

Serve with roasted tomatoes, fried potatoes or salad.

In addition to carbohydrates, fats and proteins, a healthy diet must necessarily contain such mineral salts as calcium, phosphorus, iron, potassium, sodium, magnesium and others. These salts are actively absorbed from the upper layers of the atmosphere and soil by plants and only then enter the body through plant food to humans and animals.

For the proper functioning of the human body, 60 chemical elements are used. Of these, only 22 elements are considered basic. They account for about 4% of the total weight of the human body.

Those minerals that are needed for our life can be divided into microelements and macroelements. Macronutrients include:

• Calcium
• Potassium
• Magnesium
• Sodium
• Iron
• Phosphorus

All these mineral salts are present in large quantities in the human body.

Micronutrients include:

• Manganese
• Cobalt
• Nickel

Their number is slightly less, but, nevertheless, the role of these mineral salts does not decrease.

In general, mineral salts maintain the necessary acid-base balance in the body and the functioning of the endocrine system, normalize water-salt metabolism, normalize the work of the cardiovascular, digestive and nervous systems. Also, they take an active part in the metabolism, coagulation and blood formation. Mineral salts are participants in intercellular and biochemical processes within a person.

We hope that from this article you have learned what is the importance of mineral salts in the human body.

THE ROLE OF MINERAL SALTS IN THE BODY. In addition to proteins, fats and carbohydrates, a healthy diet should contain various mineral salts: calcium, phosphorus, iron, potassium, sodium, magnesium and others. These minerals are absorbed by plants from the upper layers of the soil and from the atmosphere, and then enter the body of humans and animals through plant foods.

Almost 60 chemical elements are used in the human body, but only 22 chemical elements are considered basic. They make up a total of 4% of a person's body weight.

All minerals that are present in the human body are conditionally divided into macroelements and microelements. Macronutrients: calcium, potassium, magnesium, sodium, iron, phosphorus, chlorine, sulfur are present in large quantities in the human body. Trace elements: copper, manganese, zinc, fluorine, chromium, cobalt, nickel and others are required by the body in small amounts, but are very important. For example, the content of boron in human blood is minimal, but its presence is necessary for the normal exchange of important macronutrients: calcium, phosphorus and magnesium. The body will not benefit even from a huge amount of these three macronutrients without boron.

Mineral salts in the human body maintain the necessary acid-base balance, normalize water-salt metabolism, support the endocrine system, nervous, digestive, cardiovascular and other systems. Also, minerals are involved in hematopoiesis and blood clotting, in metabolism. They are necessary for building muscles, bones, internal organs. Mineral salts also play an important role in the water regime. Therefore, minerals in sufficient quantities must be constantly supplied with food, since a continuous exchange of mineral salts takes place in the human body.

Lack of minerals. The lack of macro and microelements leads to serious diseases. For example, a prolonged lack of salt can lead to nervous exhaustion and weakening of the heart. The lack of calcium salts leads to increased bone fragility, and rickets can develop in children. Iron deficiency causes anemia. With a lack of iodine - dementia, deafness, goiter, dwarf growth.

The main reasons for the lack of minerals in the body include:

1. Poor quality drinking water.

2. Monotonous food.

3. Region of residence.

4. Diseases leading to the loss of minerals (bleeding, ulcerative colitis).

5. Drugs that prevent the absorption of macro and microelements.

MINERALS IN PRODUCTS. The only way to supply the body with all the minerals it needs is through a balanced healthy diet and water. You need to regularly eat plant foods: grains, legumes, root crops, fruits, green vegetables - this is an important source of trace elements. As well as fish, poultry, red meat. Most of the mineral salts are not lost during cooking, but a significant amount passes into the broth.

In different products, the content of minerals is also different. For example, dairy products contain more than 20 minerals: iron, calcium, iodine, manganese, zinc, fluorine, etc. Meat products contain: copper, silver, zinc, titanium, etc. Marine products contain fluorine, iodine, nickel. Some foods selectively concentrate only certain minerals.

The ratio of various minerals entering the body is of great importance, since they can reduce the beneficial qualities of each other. For example, with an excess of phosphorus and magnesium, the absorption of calcium decreases. Therefore, their ratio should be 3:2:1 (phosphorus, calcium and magnesium).

DAILY RATE OF MINERALS. To maintain human health, daily norms for the consumption of minerals are officially established. For example, for an adult male, the daily norm of minerals is: calcium - 800 mg, phosphorus - 800 mg, magnesium - 350 mg, iron - 10 mg, zinc - 15 mg, iodine - 0.15 mg, selenium - 0.07 mg, potassium - from 1.6 to 2 g, copper - from 1.5 to 3 mg, manganese - from 2 to 5 mg, fluorine - from 1.5 to 4 mg, molybdenum - from 0.075 to 0.25 mg, chromium - from 0.05 to 0.2 mg. To obtain the daily norm of minerals, a varied diet and proper cooking are required.

It should also be borne in mind that for some reason an increased intake of minerals is required. For example, with heavy physical labor, during pregnancy and lactation, with various diseases, with a decrease in immunity.

mineral salts. MAGNESIUM

The role of magnesium in the body:

Magnesium in the body is necessary for the normal course of biological processes in the brain and muscles. Magnesium salts give special hardness to bones and teeth, normalize the functioning of the cardiovascular and nervous systems, stimulate bile secretion and intestinal activity. With a lack of magnesium, nervous tension is observed. In diseases: atherosclerosis, hypertension, ischemia, gallbladder, intestines, it is necessary to increase the amount of magnesium.

The daily intake of magnesium for a healthy adult is 500-600 mg.

Magnesium in foods:

Most magnesium - 100 mg (per 100 g of food) - in bran, oatmeal, millet, seaweed (kelp), prunes, apricots.

A lot of magnesium - 50-100 mg - in herring, mackerel, squid, eggs. In cereals: buckwheat, barley, peas. In greens: parsley, dill, lettuce.

Less than 50 mg of magnesium - in chickens, cheese, semolina. In meat, boiled sausage, milk, cottage cheese. In fish: horse mackerel, cod, hake. In white bread, pasta. In potatoes, cabbage, tomatoes. In apples, apricots, grapes. In carrots, beets, black currants, cherries, raisins.

mineral salts. CALCIUM:

The role of calcium in the body:

Calcium in the body contributes to better absorption of phosphorus and proteins. Calcium salts are part of the blood, affect blood clotting. Lack of calcium weakens the heart muscle. Salts of calcium and phosphorus are necessary for building teeth and bones of the skeleton and are the main elements of bone tissue. Calcium is best absorbed from milk and dairy products. The daily need for calcium will be satisfied by 100 g of cheese or 0.5 l of milk. Milk also enhances the absorption of calcium from other foods, so it should be included in any diet.

daily intake of calcium – 800-1000 mg.

Calcium in foods:

Most calcium - 100 mg (per 100 g of food) - in milk, cottage cheese, cheese, kefir. In green onions, parsley, beans.

A lot of calcium - 50-100 mg - in eggs, sour cream, buckwheat, oatmeal, peas, carrots. In fish: herring, horse mackerel, carp, caviar.

Less than 50 mg of calcium - in butter, 2nd grade bread, millet, pearl barley, pasta, semolina. In fish: pike perch, perch, cod, mackerel. In cabbage, beets, green peas, radishes, potatoes, cucumbers, tomatoes. In apricots, oranges, plums, grapes, cherries, strawberries, watermelons, apples and pears.

mineral salts. POTASSIUM:

The role of potassium in the body:

Potassium in the body promotes the digestion of fats and starch, is necessary for building muscles, for the liver, spleen, intestines, is useful for constipation, heart disease, skin inflammation, and hot flashes. Potassium removes water and sodium from the body. The lack of potassium salts reduces mental activity, makes muscles flabby.

Daily intake of potassium – 2-3g. The amount of potassium must be increased with hypertension, kidney disease, while taking diuretics, with diarrhea and vomiting.

Potassium in foods:

Most potassium is found in egg yolks, milk, potatoes, cabbage, peas. Lemons, cranberries, bran, nuts contain a lot of potassium.

mineral salts. PHOSPHORUS:

The role of phosphorus in the body:

Phosphorus salts are involved in metabolism, in the construction of bone tissue, hormones, and are necessary for the normal functioning of the nervous system, heart, brain, liver and kidneys. From animal products, phosphorus is absorbed by 70%, from plant products - by 40%. The absorption of phosphorus is improved by soaking cereals before cooking.

daily phosphorus intake – 1600 mg. The amount of phosphorus must be increased in diseases of the bones and fractures, in tuberculosis, in diseases of the nervous system.

Phosphorus in products:

Most phosphorus is found in cheeses, beef liver, caviar, beans, oatmeal and pearl barley.

A lot of phosphorus - in chicken, fish, cottage cheese, peas, buckwheat and millet, in chocolate.

Less phosphorus – in beef, pork, boiled sausages, eggs, milk, sour cream, pasta, rice, semolina, potatoes and carrots.

mineral salts. IRON:

The role of iron in the body:

Iron in the body is necessary for the formation of blood hemoglobin and muscle myoglobin. The best sources of iron are: meat, chicken, liver. For better absorption of iron, citric and ascorbic acid, fruits, berries and juices from them are used. When meat and fish are added to grains and legumes, the absorption of iron from them improves. Strong tea interferes with the absorption of iron from foods. The absorption of iron salts is reduced in diseases of the intestines and stomach.

With a lack of iron, anemia (iron deficiency anemia) develops. Anemia develops with a lack of nutrition of animal proteins, vitamins and trace elements, with large blood loss, with diseases of the stomach (gastritis, enteritis), and worms. In such cases, it is necessary to increase the amount of iron in the diet.

Daily intake of iron – 15 mg for an adult.

Iron in foods:

Most iron (more than 4 mg) in 100g of food – in beef liver, kidneys, tongue, porcini mushrooms, buckwheat, beans, peas, blueberries, chocolate.

A lot of iron - in beef, lamb, rabbit, eggs, bread 1 and 2 grades, oatmeal and millet, nuts, apples, pears, persimmons, quince, figs, spinach.

mineral salts. SODIUM:

The role of sodium in the body:

Sodium is supplied to the body mainly by table salt (sodium chloride). Thanks to sodium in the body, lime and magnesium are retained in the blood and tissues, and iron captures oxygen from the air. With a lack of sodium salts, stagnation of blood in the capillaries occurs, the walls of the arteries harden, heart diseases develop, gall and urinary stones form, and the liver suffers.

With an increase in physical activity, the body's need for mineral salts, especially potassium and sodium, also increases. Their content in the diet should be increased by 20-25%.

Daily requirement for sodium:

For an adult, 2-6 g of salt per day is enough. Excessive salt content in food contributes to the development of diseases: atherosclerosis, hypertension, gout. Lack of salt leads to weight loss.

Sodium in foods:

Most sodium is in cheese, cheese, sausages, salted and smoked fish, sauerkraut.

mineral salts. CHLORINE:

The role of chlorine in the body:

Chlorine in products is found in large quantities in egg white, milk, whey, oysters, cabbage, parsley, celery, bananas, rye bread.

mineral salts. IODINE:

The role of iodine in the body:

Iodine in the body is present in the thyroid gland, regulates metabolism. With a lack of iodine in the body, immunity is weakened, thyroid disease develops. The disease develops with a lack of animal protein, vitamins A and C, and some trace elements. For the purpose of prevention, iodized table salt is used.

Daily intake of iodine – 0.1-0.2 mg. The amount of iodine must be increased with insufficient thyroid function, with atherosclerosis and obesity.

Iodine in products:

A lot of iodine - in seaweed (kelp), sea fish, seafood. Also, iodine is found in beets, tomatoes, turnips, lettuce.

Iodine is present in small amounts - in meat, freshwater fish and drinking water.

mineral salts. FLUORINE:

The role of fluorine in the body:

Fluoride in the body is found in bones and teeth. With a lack of fluorine, teeth rot, tooth enamel cracks, and the bones of the skeleton hurt.

Daily fluoride intake – 0.8-1.6 mg.

Fluorine in products:

Most fluorine is found in sea fish and seafood, in tea.

Fluorine is also found in cereals, nuts, peas and beans, egg whites, green vegetables and fruits.

mineral salts. SULFUR:

The role of sulfur in the body:

Sulfur is found in all tissues of the human body: in hair, nails, muscles, bile, urine. With a lack of sulfur, irritability, various tumors, and skin diseases appear.

The daily requirement of sulfur is 1 mg.

Sulfur in products:

Sulfur is found in large quantities in egg whites, cabbage, turnips, horseradish, bran, walnuts, wheat and rye.

mineral salts.SILICON:

Silicon in the human body is used to build hair, nails, skin, muscles and nerves. With a lack of silicon, hair falls out, nails break, and there is a risk of diabetes.

Silicon in products:

Silicon is found in large quantities in cereals, in the peel of fresh fruits. In small quantities: in beets, cucumbers, parsley, strawberries.

mineral salts.COPPER:

Copper in the human body is involved in hematopoiesis, it is recommended for patients with diabetes mellitus.

Norm of copper – 2 mg.

Copper is found in products - in beef and pork liver, in cod and halibut liver, in oysters.

mineral salts. ZINC:

Zinc in the human body normalizes the function of the endocrine system, is involved in hematopoiesis.

daily requirement for zinc – 12-16 mg.

Zinc in products:

Most of the zinc – in meat and offal, fish, oysters, eggs.

mineral salts. ALUMINUM:

The daily requirement for aluminum is 12-13 mg.

mineral salts.MANGANESE:

Manganese in the human body:

Manganese has a beneficial effect on the nervous system, is actively involved in the metabolism of fats and carbohydrates, prevents fat from being deposited in the liver, and lowers cholesterol. Manganese increases muscle endurance, participates in hematopoiesis, increases blood clotting, participates in the construction of bone tissue, and helps the absorption of vitamin B1.

The daily requirement for manganese is 5-9 mg per day.

Manganese in products:

The main sources of manganese are: chicken meat, beef liver, cheese, egg yolk, potatoes, beets, carrots, onions, beans, peas, lettuce, celery, bananas, tea (leaf), ginger, cloves.

Hazelnuts - 4.2 mg, oatmeal (hercules) - 3.8 mg, walnuts and almonds - about 2 mg, rye bread - 1.6 mg, buckwheat - 1.3 mg, rice - 1.2 mg.

It is recommended to include nutritious oatmeal in your diet more often in the morning - with it you will get almost half of the daily requirement of manganese. Manganese is not lost during cooking, but a significant part of it is lost during defrosting and soaking. To retain most of the manganese, frozen vegetables should be fried and boiled without thawing. Manganese is stored in vegetables boiled in their skins or steamed.

Lack of manganese in the body:

With a lack of manganese, the level of cholesterol in the blood rises, poor appetite, insomnia, nausea, muscle weakness, sometimes cramps in the legs (because the absorption of vitamin B1 is impaired), and bone tissue is deformed.

mineral salts.CADMIUM- found in scallop mollusk.

mineral salts.NICKEL- participates in hematopoiesis.

mineral salts.COBALT, CESIUM, STRONTIUM and other trace elements are needed by the body in small quantities, but their role in metabolism is very large.

Mineral salts:ACID-ALKALINE BALANCE IN THE BODY:

Proper, healthy nutrition maintains the acid-base balance in the human body constantly. But sometimes changing the diet with a predominance of acidic or alkaline minerals can upset the acid-base balance. Most often, there is a predominance of acidic mineral salts, which is the cause of the development of atherosclerosis, diabetes, diseases of the kidneys, stomach, etc. If the alkali content in the body rises, then diseases arise: tetanus, narrowing of the stomach.

People of mature age in the diet need to increase the amount of alkaline foods.

Acid mineral salts : phosphorus, sulfur, chlorine, contain such products: meat and fish, bread and cereals, eggs.

Alkaline mineral salts: calcium, potassium, magnesium, sodium contain such products: dairy products (except cheese), potatoes, vegetables, fruits, berries. And although vegetables and fruits taste sour, they are converted into alkaline minerals in the body.

How to restore acid-base balance?

* In the human body, there is a constant struggle between the mineral salts of potassium and sodium. The lack of potassium in the blood is manifested by edema. It is necessary to exclude salt from the diet, and replace it with products rich in potassium salts: garlic, onion, horseradish, dill, celery, parsley, caraway seeds. In addition, use carrots, parsley, spinach, baked potatoes, cabbage, green peas, tomatoes, radishes, raisins, dried apricots, grapefruit, legumes, oatmeal, dried rye bread.

* Observe the drinking regimen: drink clean water; water with the addition of apple cider vinegar, lemon juice, honey; infusion of wild rose, raspberry leaves and blackcurrant.

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Taking vitamins, assimilation of vitamins.

Vitamins in nutrition.

The use of vitamins.

Nutrition during sports.

Lunch at work. How to have lunch?

17 rules of healthy eating.

How many calories do you need per day.

Nutrition against cancer.

Water in food.

Biologically active food supplements.

Squirrels. Fats. Carbohydrates.

Therapeutic nutrition for diabetes mellitus.

Nutrition in heart failure.

Nutrition in chronic cholecystitis.

How to deal with constipation?

Therapeutic diets.

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Nutrition during pregnancy.

Benefits of tomatoes.

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The benefits of plums, recipes from plums.

The benefits of viburnum, medicine and recipes from viburnum.

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Mastopathy.

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We all know that to maintain the health of our body, proteins, carbohydrates, fats and, of course, water are needed. Mineral salts are also an important component of food, playing the role of participants in metabolic processes, catalysts for biochemical reactions.

A significant part of the useful substances are chloride, carbonate, phosphate salts of sodium, calcium, potassium and magnesium. In addition to them, compounds of copper, zinc, iron, manganese, iodine, cobalt and other elements are present in the body. Useful substances in the aquatic environment dissolve and exist in the form of ions.

Types of mineral salts

Salts can decompose into positive and negative ions. The former are called cations (charged particles of various metals), the latter are called anions. Negatively charged ions of phosphoric acid form a phosphate buffer system, the main significance of which is to regulate the pH of urine and interstitial fluid. Anions of carbonic acid form a bicarbonate buffer system, which is responsible for the activity of the lungs and maintains the pH of the blood plasma at the desired level. Thus, mineral salts, the composition of which is represented by various ions, have their own unique significance. For example, they participate in the synthesis of phospholipids, nucleotides, hemoglobin, ATP, chlorophyll, and so on.

The group of macronutrients includes sodium, magnesium, potassium, phosphorus, calcium and chlorine ions. These elements must be eaten in sufficient quantities. What is the importance of mineral salts of the macronutrient group? We'll figure out.

Salts of sodium and chlorine

One of the most common compounds that a person consumes every day is table salt. The substance is composed of sodium and chlorine. The first regulates the amount of fluid in the body, and the second, combining with a hydrogen ion, forms hydrochloric acid in the stomach. Sodium affects the growth of the body and the functioning of the heart. Lack of the element can lead to apathy and weakness, can cause hardening of the walls of the arteries, the formation of gallstones, as well as involuntary muscle twitching. Excess sodium chloride leads to the formation of edema. For a day you need to eat no more than 2 grams of salt.

Potassium salts

This ion is responsible for brain activity. The element helps to increase concentration, the development of memory. It maintains the excitability of muscle and nerve tissues, water-salt balance, blood pressure. The ion also catalyzes the formation of acetylcholine and regulates osmotic pressure. With a deficiency of potassium salts, a person feels disorientation, drowsiness, reflexes are disturbed, and mental activity decreases. The element is found in many foods, such as vegetables, fruits, nuts.

Salts of calcium and phosphorus

The calcium ion is involved in the stabilization of the membranes of brain cells, as well as nerve cells. The element is responsible for the normal development of bones, is necessary for blood clotting, helps to remove lead and heavy metals from the body. The ion is the main source of blood saturation with alkaline salts, which contributes to the maintenance of life. Human glands that secrete hormones should normally always contain a sufficient amount of calcium ions, otherwise the body will begin to age prematurely. Children require this ion three times more than adults. Excess calcium can lead to kidney stones. Its deficiency causes cessation of breathing, as well as a significant deterioration in the work of the heart.

The phosphorus ion is responsible for the production of energy from nutrients. When it interacts with calcium and vitamin D, the functions of the brain and nerve tissues are activated. Phosphorus ion deficiency can delay bone development. It should be consumed no more than 1 gram per day. For the body, a favorable ratio of this element and calcium is one to one. An excess of phosphorus ions can cause various tumors.

Magnesium salts

Mineral salts in the cell break down into various ions, one of them is magnesium. The element is indispensable in protein, carbohydrate and fat metabolism. The magnesium ion is involved in the conduction of impulses along nerve fibers, stabilizes the cell membranes of nerve cells, thereby protecting the body from the effects of stress. The element regulates the work of the intestines. With a lack of magnesium, a person suffers from memory impairment, loses the ability to concentrate his attention for a long time, becomes irritable and nervous. It is enough to consume 400 milligrams of magnesium per day.

The group of trace elements includes ions of cobalt, copper, iron, chromium, fluorine, zinc, iodine, selenium, manganese and silicon. These elements are necessary for the body in minimal quantities.

Salts of iron, fluorine, iodine

The daily need for an iron ion is only 15 milligrams. This element is part of hemoglobin, which transports oxygen to tissues and cells from the lungs. Iron deficiency causes anemia.

Fluorine ions are present in tooth enamel, bones, muscles, blood and brain. With a lack of this element, the teeth lose their strength, begin to collapse. At the moment, the problem of fluorine deficiency is solved by using toothpastes containing it, as well as by eating a sufficient amount of foods rich in fluoride (nuts, cereals, fruits, and others).

Iodine is responsible for the proper functioning of the thyroid gland, thereby regulating metabolism. With its deficiency, goiter develops and immunity decreases. With a lack of iodine ions in children, there is a delay in growth and development. An excess of element ions causes Graves' disease, and general weakness, irritability, weight loss, and muscle atrophy are also observed.

Salts of copper and zinc

Copper, in cooperation with the iron ion, saturates the body with oxygen. Therefore, copper deficiency causes disturbances in the synthesis of hemoglobin, the development of anemia. The lack of an element can lead to various diseases of the cardiovascular system, the appearance of bronchial asthma and mental disorders. An excess of copper ions provokes CNS disorders. The patient complains of depression, memory loss, insomnia. An excess of the element is more common in the body of workers in the production of copper. In this case, the ions enter the body through inhalation of vapors, which leads to the phenomenon of copper fever. Copper can accumulate in the tissues of the brain, as well as in the liver, skin, pancreas, causing various disorders of the body. A person needs 2.5 milligrams of an element per day.

A number of properties of copper ions are associated with zinc ions. Together, they participate in the activity of the superoxide dismutase enzyme, which has antioxidant, antiviral, antiallergic and anti-inflammatory effects. Zinc ions are involved in protein and fat metabolism. It is part of most hormones and enzymes, controls the biochemical bonds between brain cells. Zinc ions fight alcohol intoxication.

According to some scientists, the deficiency of the element can cause fear, depression, impaired speech, and difficulty in movement. An excess of ion is formed by the uncontrolled use of preparations containing zinc, including ointments, as well as during work in the production of this element. A large amount of the substance leads to a decrease in immunity, impaired functions of the liver, prostate, pancreas.

The value of mineral salts containing copper and zinc ions cannot be overestimated. And, following the rules of nutrition, the listed problems associated with an excess or lack of elements can always be avoided.

Salts of cobalt and chromium

Mineral salts containing chromium ions play an important role in the regulation of insulin. The element is involved in the synthesis of fatty acids, proteins, as well as in the process of glucose metabolism. A lack of chromium can cause an increase in the amount of cholesterol in the blood, and therefore increase the risk of a stroke.

One of the components of vitamin B12 is the cobalt ion. He takes part in the production of thyroid hormones, as well as fats, proteins and carbohydrates, activates enzymes. Cobalt fights against the formation of atherosclerotic plaques, removing cholesterol from the vessels. This element is responsible for the production of RNA and DNA, promotes the growth of bone tissue, activates the synthesis of hemoglobin, and is able to inhibit the development of cancer cells.

Athletes and vegetarians often have a deficiency of cobalt ions, which can lead to various disorders in the body: anemia, arrhythmias, vegetovascular dystonia, memory disorders, etc. Abuse of vitamin B12 or contact with this element at work causes an excess of cobalt in the body.

Salts of manganese, silicon and selenium

Three elements that are part of the micronutrient group also play an important role in maintaining the health of the body. So, manganese is involved in immune reactions, improves thinking processes, stimulates tissue respiration and hematopoiesis. The functions of mineral salts, in which silicon is present, are to give strength and elasticity to the walls of blood vessels. The element selenium in microdoses brings great benefits to humans. It is able to protect against cancer, supports the growth of the body, strengthens the immune system. With a lack of selenium, inflammation is formed in the joints, weakness in the muscles, the functioning of the thyroid gland is disturbed, masculine strength is lost, and visual acuity decreases. The daily requirement for this element is 400 micrograms.

Mineral exchange

What is included in this concept? This is a combination of the processes of absorption, assimilation, distribution, transformation and release of various substances. Mineral salts in the body create an internal environment with constant physical and chemical properties, which ensures the normal activity of cells and tissues.

Entering the digestive system with food, ions pass into the blood and lymph. The functions of mineral salts are to maintain the acid-base constancy of the blood, to regulate the osmotic pressure in the cells, as well as in the interstitial fluid. Useful substances take part in the formation of enzymes and in the process of blood clotting. Salts regulate the total amount of fluid in the body. Osmoregulation is based on the potassium-sodium pump. Potassium ions accumulate inside cells, and sodium ions accumulate in their environment. Due to the potential difference, the liquids are redistributed and thereby the constancy of the osmotic pressure is maintained.

Salts are excreted in three ways:

1. Through the kidneys. In this way, potassium, iodine, sodium and chlorine ions are removed.
2. Through the intestines. Salts of magnesium, calcium, iron and copper leave the body with feces.
3. Through the skin (along with sweat).

In order to avoid salt retention in the body, it is necessary to consume a sufficient amount of fluid.

Mineral metabolism disorders

The main reasons for deviations are:

1. hereditary factors. In this case, the exchange of mineral salts can be expressed in such a phenomenon as salt-sensitivity. The kidneys and adrenal glands in this disorder produce substances that can disrupt the content of potassium and sodium in the walls of blood vessels, thereby causing a water-salt imbalance.
2. Unfavorable ecology.
3. Eating too much salt.
4. Poor quality food.
5. Professional hazard.
6. Binge eating.
7. Excessive use of tobacco and alcohol.
8. age disorders.

Despite the small percentage in food, the role of mineral salts cannot be overestimated. Some of the ions are the building material of the skeleton, others are involved in the regulation of the water-salt balance, and others are involved in the accumulation and release of energy. Deficiency, as well as an excess of minerals, harms the body.

With the daily use of plant and animal food, one should not forget about water. Some foods, such as seaweed, cereals, seafood, may not properly concentrate mineral salts in the cell, which is harmful to the body. For good digestibility, it is necessary to take breaks between taking the same salts for seven hours. A balanced diet is the key to our health.

Paleontology

3) Zoology

4) Biology

2. The largest periods of time:

3) Periods

4) Sub-periods

3. Archean era:

4. The formation of the ozone layer began in:

2) Cambrians

3) Proterozoic

5. The first eukaryotes appeared in:

1) Cryptozoic

2) Mesozoic

3) Paleozoic

4) Cenozoic

6. The division of land into continents occurred in:

1) Cryptozoic

2) Paleozoic

3) Mesozoic

4) Cenozoic

7. Trilobites are:

1) The oldest arthropods

2) Ancient insects

3) Ancient birds

4) Ancient lizards

8. The first land plants were:

1) Devoid of leaves

2) Rootless

9. The descendants of the fish that came to land first are:

1) Amphibians

2) Reptiles

4) Mammals

10. The ancient bird Archeopteryx combines the following features:

1) Birds and mammals

2) Birds and reptiles

3) Mammals and amphibians

4) Amphibians and birds

11. Not a merit of Carl Linnaeus:

1) Introduction of binary nomenclature

2) Classification of living organisms

12. Non-cellular life forms are:

1) Bacteria

3) Plants

13. Eukaryotes do not include:

1) Amoeba proteus

2) Lichen

3) Blue-green algae

4) Man

14. Does not apply to unicellular:

1) White mushroom

2) Euglena green

3) Infusoria shoe

4) Amoeba Proteus

15. Is a heterotroph:

1) Sunflower

3) Strawberries

16. Is an autotroph:

1) Polar bear

2) Tinder fungus

4) Mold

17. Binary nomenclature:

1) Double name of organisms

2) Triple name of organisms

3) The name of the class of mammals

As I wrote in a previous article about vitamins, without which no person can do. Mineral salts play an equally important role for our health. Why should we take minerals and vitamins.
Because not only vitamins, but also mineral salts contain everything necessary for our life. Mineral salts must be found in the food we eat.

For the life and activity of our body, mineral salts are simply necessary. After reading the article, you will definitely find out what these mineral salts are and what role they play in our lives.

mineral salts

In our food, as well as vitamins, there must be mineral salts. They are simply necessary for our body so that its vital activity is normal. Why do you think we should take minerals and vitamins?
But nature has endowed our food with both vitamins and minerals! Due to the fact that we do not eat properly, we do not receive enough mineral salts and vitamins necessary for life, which you can read about.


Now artificial fertilizer is very developed. Of course, it almost everywhere replaced such natural fertilizer as manure. As a result, artificial fertilizer gives growth, beauty and productivity.
But at the same time, plants do not have time to get natural juices from the earth, which are so necessary for plants to form vitamins. People and organizations that grow plant food spray it with a chemical solution.
This solution is used to control harmful insects and this is done instead of fumigation, which was done before. The trouble is that this solution contains arsenic.
Of course, this poison kills pests, but not only. Some of it remains on the plants and then goes to vegetables, fruits and cereals. Then, through these products, the poison enters our stomach, thereby poisoning the body.
For commercial purposes, the core is removed from wheat grains, thereby making them dead. Then, to obtain white varieties of bread, the bran is sifted out very carefully.
Without thinking about the fact that vitamins are mainly found in bran. Cattle are fed with bran, which means that the most valuable thing is given to animals. And people receive not only dead bread, but also harmful.
Now about sugar - dark sugar is natural, which is produced from fodder beets and cane. It contains many minerals and vitamins. But after purification, sugar loses all vitamins and most of the minerals.
We buy snow-white sugar and of course we consume it every day in large quantities about the dangers and benefits of sugar, read in. This is not only sugar, but also all kinds of sweets and muffins in which there are no vitamins or mineral salts.

What are mineral salts

This is Sodium, which is one of the main elements in our body. Iron, which is very important for our blood. Potassium, which is responsible for the structure of muscles.
Calcium, which gives our bones strength. Phosphorus, which is responsible for bone development. Sulfur, which should be found in all tissues and cells of our body.
Silicon is responsible for the construction of skin, nerves, nails, hair and muscles. Chlorine is needed to combine sodium, calcium and potassium like hydrochloric acid. A little muscle, blood and brain.
Iodine is generally responsible for the metabolism in our body, so it should be enough in the thyroid gland. Salt is also part of the mineral salts. It is very necessary for blood and tissues.
And finally Magnesium - this element gives special hardness to teeth and bones. What are mineral salts, I hope that I was able to answer this question.

calcium in the body

We all know how important calcium is for the body. Calcium builds muscles, strengthens the skeleton and all bones. In the human body, the amount of calcium is three-fourths of all the mineral elements that it contains.
The heart must receive seven times more calcium than any other organ. Since the heart muscles need calcium. Calcium is very important in the body for blood clotting.
What substance do you think supplies the blood with alkaline salts? Calcium is the main source and it is very important. After all, our blood is alkaline, if it is in a normal state.
Death can occur if the alkaline balance in the blood is disturbed. For this reason, our body will begin to age prematurely if the glands, cells, tissues do not have enough calcium.
Children and teenagers need four times more calcium than adults. To keep bones, teeth and tissues in order. Very little calcium is produced when you are sick, especially if you have a high fever.
Trouble and overwork also adversely affect health. Increases acidity in the blood, loses its activity and weakens the liver. After all, the liver destroys toxic substances.
The liver loses its activity and inflammation of the tonsils begins, stones appear in the gallbladder. The teeth begin to crumble and stagger, the rash covers mainly the hands.
If you introduce pure calcium into the body, it will not bring much benefit. You need to take calcium in the form of food. That is, eat food that contains alkali.
Eat egg yolks, beans, olives, lentils, yellow turnips, rutabagas, wine berries, whey, cauliflower, bran. Then calcium in the body will be normal.

sodium in the body

Sodium in the body is one of the main alkaline elements. Thanks to sodium, magnesium and lime are retained in blood solutions and tissues. If there is a lack of sodium in the body, hardening will begin in the walls of the arteries.
In the capillary vessels, blood stagnation occurs, and urinary, hepatic and bile stones are also formed. Sodium does a great job in our body.
Due to the lack of sodium, it is very difficult for people with diabetes and obese people to breathe, heart disease appears. With enough sodium in the body, iron safely captures oxygen from fresh air.

Hello dear readers! Mineral salts, what role do they play in our life. How important are they to health? Why should we use them. Why in our food should be present in addition to vitamins and minerals.

From the article you will learn how much mineral salts are necessary for our body. Find out how important it is to have minerals in food. What are the most important for the human body.

Such mineral salts as: sodium, iron, potassium, calcium, silicon, iodine. Each of these elements is responsible for our health and in general for the whole organism. What foods should be in our diet.

From the article you will learn about such mineral salts as sodium, which is responsible for the entire body and is the main element. Iron - you know how important it is for the blood. Potassium is our muscles for which he is responsible.

Mineral salts must be found in our food as well as vitamins. This is very important for the normal functioning of the body. Nature has endowed us with everything we need. Food that is rich in both vitamins and minerals.

Unfortunately, due to malnutrition, we do not get the vital mineral salts and vitamins. Below you will definitely find out what these mineral salts are and how to use them.

The value of mineral salts

Artificial fertilizer is now very developed. Such natural fertilizer as manure, and other natural useful components, are almost crowded out. They chose artificial fertilizer because it gives yield, beauty and growth. Accordingly, plants do not have time to get the natural juices from the earth that they need.

As a result, plants do not receive vitamins and minerals, and the importance of mineral salts is very important. Both individuals and organizations are spraying plant food with the chemical solution. Make this solution and spray it on plants to control insects that harm the crop.

They used to smoke, but now unfortunately they don't. It is believed that the solution is much more effective, but the trouble is that the solution contains arsenic. Of course this kills pests, but this solution ends up on cereals, vegetables and fruits. Then we eat them and poison the body.

Who actually gets vitamins and mineral salts:

They extract the core from wheat grains for commercial purposes and do not think that thereby making them dead. To get white bread varieties, bran is carefully sifted.

They don’t even think about the fact that vitamins are in bran. Who is fed bran? Animals. So the most valuable is given to animals. And people receive bread not only harmful, but also dead.

Composition of mineral salts

The composition of mineral salts includes, does not even include, but is mineral salts, these are sodium, iron, potassium, calcium, phosphorus, sulfur, silicon, fluorine, chlorine, iodine, magnesium, etc.

Mineral salts, inorganic substances, water, etc. are part of the cell. They play a huge role in the cell. These are essential ingredients for human health. They are necessary not only for metabolism, but also for the nervous system.

The composition of mineral salts is primarily calcium phosphates and carbonates. Minerals are divided into two groups:

1. Macronutrients - they are needed by the body in large quantities.

2. Trace elements - they are also needed, but in small quantities.

Functions of mineral salts

The functions of mineral salts, what they are capable of and what role they play in our body. What are these elements and why do we need them read below.

Such an element as sodium is the most important in our body. Iron is very important for our blood. Potassium is responsible for muscle building. Calcium strengthens bones. Phosphorus develops them. Sulfur is simply necessary for all cells of our body.

Silicon - this element is responsible for the construction of skin, hair, nails, muscles and nerves. Like hydrochloric acid, chlorine is needed to combine calcium, sodium and potassium. The functions of mineral salts are very important.

Back bones, teeth, some blood, muscles and brain need fluoride. Iodine is responsible for metabolism, so there should be enough of it in the thyroid gland. Salt is a part of mineral salts. It needs blood and tissue.

Now the turn has come to the last element that is part of the mineral salts. Magnesium - this element gives the teeth and bones a special hardness.

The role of mineral salts

What are mineral salts, what role do they play in our health and what are they?

one . Potassium - it is simply necessary for the muscles. It is needed by the intestines, spleen and liver. This alkali metal helps digest fats and starches. To avoid constipation, eat more foods rich in potassium. It also needs blood.

2. Calcium - three quarters of all mineral elements included in calcium are found in the human body. The heart needs seven times more calcium than any other organ. It needs heart muscles and blood.

3 . Silicon - it also belongs to the mineral salts and is responsible for the development of the skin, hair, nails, nerves and muscles. Chlorine is needed to combine calcium, potassium and sodium.

four . Iodine - this element also belongs to mineral salts and we really need it, especially the thyroid gland.

5 . Fluorine- plays a huge role in the health of the spinal bones and teeth.

6 . Magnesium- strengthens teeth, bones and gives them special hardness.

7. Salt - it is also part of the mineral salts. It needs blood and tissue.

eight . Phosphorus - If there is a lack of phosphorus in the body, bones develop with a great delay, even if there is enough calcium in it. Brains need phosphorus.

9 . Iron - blood needs this element, it oxidizes it. Red balls in the blood are formed due to iron. With a lack of iron in the blood, acute anemia can develop.

Mineral salts are very important elements for our health. And in general for life, therefore:

Please be careful about your health. Try to have enough iron, phosphorus, chlorine, sulfur, iodine, potassium and salt in the body. Their excess is also harmful. Therefore, a doctor's consultation is necessary.

Please leave your feedback if you liked the article. Your opinion is very important. This will help write articles more interesting and useful. I will be infinitely grateful if you share information with friends and press the buttons of social networks.

Be healthy and happy.

Video - alkaline mineral salts

Mineral salts in an aqueous solution of the cell dissociate into cations and anions; some of them can be included in complexes with various organic compounds. The content of inorganic ions usually does not exceed 1% of the cell mass. Salt cations, such as potassium, sodium, provide cell irritability. Calcium promotes adhesion of cells to each other. Weak acid anions are responsible for the buffering properties of the cytoplasm, maintaining a weakly alkaline reaction in cells.

The following is an example of the biological role of the most important chemical elements of the cell:

Oxygen Component of organic substances, water, anions of inorganic acids

Carbon Component of all organic substances, carbon dioxide, carbonic acid;

Hydrogen A component of water, organic substances, in the form of a proton, regulates the acidity of the environment and ensures the formation of a transmembrane potential;

Nitrogen A component of nucleotides, amino acids, photosynthesis pigments and many vitamins;

Sulfur A component of amino acids (cysteine, cystine, methionine), vitamin B 1 and some coenzymes;

Phosphorus A component of nucleic acids, pyrophosphate, phosphoric acid, nucleotide triphosphates, some coenzymes;

Calcium Involved in cell signaling;

Potassium Affects the activity of enzymes of protein synthesis, participates in the processes of photosynthesis;

Magnesium Activator of energy metabolism and DNA synthesis, is part of the chlorophyll molecule, is necessary for the assembly of spindle microtubules;

Iron A component of many enzymes, is involved in the biosynthesis of chlorophyll, in the processes of respiration and photosynthesis;

Copper Component of some enzymes involved in photosynthesis;

Manganese Is a component or regulates the activity of some enzymes, is involved in the assimilation of nitrogen and in the process of photosynthesis;

Molybdenum A component of nitrate reductase, is involved in the fixation of molecular nitrogen;

Cobalt Component of vitamin B 12, involved in nitrogen fixation

Boron Plant growth regulator, activator of reductive respiratory enzymes;

Zinc A component of some peptidases involved in the synthesis of auxins (plant hormones) and alcoholic fermentation.

Not only the content of the elements is essential, but also their ratio. Thus, a high concentration of K + ions and low Na + ions are maintained in the cell, in the environment (sea water, intercellular fluid, blood), on the contrary.

The main most important biological functions of mineral elements:

1. Maintenance of acid-base balance in the cell;

2. Creation of buffer properties of the cytoplasm;

3. Activation of enzymes;

4. Creation of osmotic pressure in the cell;

5. Participation in the creation of membrane potentials of cells;

6. Formation of the internal and external skeleton(protozoa, diatoms) .

2. Organic matter

Organic substances make up from 20 to 30% of the mass of a living cell. Of these, approximately 3% is accounted for by low molecular weight compounds: amino acids, nucleotides, vitamins, hormones, pigments, and some other substances. The main part of the dry matter of the cell is made up of organic macromolecules: proteins, nucleic acids, lipids and polysaccharides. In animal cells, as a rule, proteins predominate, in plant cells - polysaccharides. There are certain differences in the ratio of these compounds between prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells (Table 1)

Table 1

2.1. Squirrels- the most important irreplaceable nitrogen-containing organic compounds of the cell. Protein bodies play a decisive role both in the construction of living matter and in the implementation of all life processes. These are the main carriers of life, due to the fact that they have a number of features, the most important of which include: the inexhaustible diversity of the structure and, at the same time, its high species uniqueness; a wide range of physical and chemical transformations; the ability to reversibly and naturally change the configuration of the molecule in response to external influences; tendency to form supramolecular structures, complexes with other chemical compounds; the presence of biological activity - hormonal, enzymatic, pathogenic, etc.

Proteins are polymer molecules built from 20 amino acids * arranged in different sequences and connected by a peptide bond (C-N-single and C=N-double). If the number of amino acids in the chain does not exceed twenty, such a chain is called an oligopeptide, from 20 to 50 - a polypeptide **, more than 50 - a protein.

The mass of protein molecules ranges from 6 thousand to 1 million or more daltons (dalton is a unit of molecular weight equal to the mass of a hydrogen atom - (1.674x10 -27 kg). Bacterial cells contain up to three thousand different proteins, in the human body this diversity increases up to five million.

Proteins contain 50-55% carbon, 6.5-7.3% hydrogen, 15-18% nitrogen, 21-24% oxygen, up to 2.5% sulfur. Some proteins contain phosphorus, iron, zinc, copper and other elements. Unlike other elements of the cell, most proteins are characterized by a constant proportion of nitrogen (average 16% of dry matter). This indicator is used when calculating protein by nitrogen: (mass of nitrogen × 6.25). (100:16=6.25).

Protein molecules have several structural levels.

The primary structure is the sequence of amino acids in the polypeptide chain.

The secondary structure is an α-helix or a folded β-structure, which are formed by stabilizing the molecule by electrostatic hydrogen bonds that form between the -C=O and -NH groups of amino acids.

Tertiary structure - the spatial organization of the molecule, determined by the primary structure. It is stabilized by hydrogen, ionic, and disulfide (-S-S-) bonds that form between sulfur-containing amino acids, as well as hydrophobic interactions.

Only proteins consisting of two or more polypeptide chains have a quaternary structure; it is formed by combining individual protein molecules into a single whole. A certain spatial organization (globular or fibrillar) is necessary for the highly specific work of protein molecules. Most proteins are active only in the form provided by the tertiary or quaternary structure. The secondary structure is sufficient for the functioning of only a few structural proteins. These are fibrillar proteins, and most enzymes and transport proteins are globular.

Proteins consisting only of polypeptide chains are called simple (proteins), and those containing components of a different nature are called complex (proteins). For example, a glycoprotein molecule contains a carbohydrate fragment, a metalloprotein molecule contains metal ions, etc.

By solubility in individual solvents: water-soluble; soluble in saline solutions - albumins, alcohol-soluble - albumins; soluble in alkalis - glutelins.

Amino acids are inherently amphoteric. If an amino acid has several carboxyl groups, then acidic properties predominate, if several amino groups are basic. Depending on the predominance of certain amino acids, proteins can also have basic or acidic properties. Globular proteins have an isoelectric point - the pH value at which the total charge of the protein is zero. At lower pH values, the protein has a positive charge; at higher pH values, it has a negative charge. Since electrostatic repulsion prevents protein molecules from sticking together, solubility becomes minimal at the isoelectric point and the protein precipitates. For example, the milk protein casein has an isoelectric point at pH 4.7. When lactic acid bacteria acidify the milk to this value, the casein precipitates and the milk "coagulates".

Protein denaturation is a violation of the tertiary and secondary structure under the influence of changes in pH, temperature, some inorganic substances, etc. If at the same time the primary structure was not disturbed, then when normal conditions are restored, renaturation occurs - spontaneous restoration of the tertiary structure and activity of the protein. This property is of great importance in the production of dry food concentrates and medical preparations that contain denatured protein.

*Amino acids are compounds containing one carboxyl and one amino group associated with one carbon atom to which a side chain is attached - any radical. More than 200 amino acids are known, but 20 are involved in the formation of proteins, called basic or fundamental. Depending on the radical, amino acids are divided into non-polar (alanine, methionine, valine, proline, leucine, isoleucine, tryptophan, phenylalanine), polar uncharged (asparagine, glutamine, serine, glycine, tyrosine, threonine, cysteine) and polar charged (basic: arginine , histidine, lysine, acidic: aspartic and glutamic acids). Non-polar amino acids are hydrophobic, and proteins built from them behave like fat droplets. Polar amino acids are hydrophilic.

**Peptides can be obtained as a result of amino acid polycondensation reactions, as well as by incomplete hydrolysis of proteins. They perform regulatory functions in the cell. A number of hormones (oxytocin, vasopressin) are oligopeptides. This bradykidin (pain peptide) is an opiate (natural drugs - endorphins, enkephalins) of the human body, which have an analgesic effect. (Drugs destroy opiates, so a person becomes very sensitive to the slightest disturbance in the body - withdrawal). Peptides are some toxins (diphtheria), antibiotics (gramicidin A).

Protein Functions:

1. Structural. Proteins serve as a building material for all cell organelles and some extracellular structures.

2. catalytic. Due to the special structure of the molecule or the presence of active groups, many proteins have the ability to catalytically accelerate the course of chemical reactions. From inorganic catalysts, enzymes differ in high specificity, work in a narrow temperature range (from 35 to 45 ° C), at slightly alkaline pH and atmospheric pressure. The rate of reactions catalyzed by enzymes is much higher than that provided by inorganic catalysts.

3. Motor. Special contractile proteins provide all kinds of cell movement. The flagella of prokaryotes are built from flagellins, and the flagella of eukaryotic cells are built from tubulins.

4. Transport. Transport proteins carry substances into and out of the cell. For example, porin proteins promote ion transport; hemoglobin carries oxygen and albumin carries fatty acids. The transport function is carried out by proteins - carriers of plasma membranes.

5. Protective. Antibody proteins bind and neutralize substances foreign to the body. A group of antioxidant enzymes (catalase, superoxide dismutase) prevents the formation of free radicals. Blood immunoglobulins, fibrin, thrombin are involved in blood clotting and thereby stop bleeding. The formation of proteins of a protein nature, for example, diphtheria toxin or Bacillus turingiensis toxin, in some cases can also be considered as a means of protection, although these proteins more often serve to damage the victim in the process of obtaining food.

6. Regulatory. The regulation of the work of a multicellular organism is carried out by protein hormones. Enzymes, controlling the rates of chemical reactions, regulate intracellular metabolism.

7. Signal. The cytoplasmic membrane contains proteins that can respond to changes in the environment by changing their conformation. These signaling molecules are responsible for transmitting external signals to the cell.

8. Energy. Proteins can serve as a reserve of reserve substances used to obtain energy. The breakdown of 1 gram of protein provides the release of 17.6 kJ of energy.