Organic vs. inorganic minerals biggest confusion

Many people ask me about the difference between organic and inorganic minerals. It's easy to get confused by the term "organic," which often makes people think of pesticide-free produce.

However, it also applies to minerals, and understanding the difference is important for your diet and overall well-being.

Understanding Minerals

Minerals are essential nutrients that our bodies need for various functions, from strong bones to healthy nerve function. They are like spark plugs in a car — essential for keeping things running smoothly.

Organic vs Inorganic Minerals: What’s the Difference?

The difference between organic and inorganic minerals boils down to their source and how they are bound. Organic minerals are found in plants and animals. They get into the food chain when plants absorb them from the soil or animals consume those plants.

This natural process makes organic minerals easier for our bodies to absorb and utilize. In contrast, inorganic minerals come directly from the earth's soil and rocks. They are not bound to carbon-containing compounds, making them more difficult for our bodies to process.

Eating a handful of dirt won't provide your daily dose of minerals.

Examples of Organic and Inorganic Minerals:

To better understand the difference between organic and inorganic minerals, let's look at some common examples.

Organic Minerals:

• Calcium from dairy products, leafy greens, or bone-in fish.

• Magnesium found in avocados, nuts, seeds, and leafy greens.

• Iron from red meat, spinach, and lentils.

Inorganic Minerals:

• Calcium carbonate supplements.

• Iron oxide found in some fortified foods.

• Magnesium sulfate (Epsom salt).

Why Organic Minerals are Superior

Organic trace minerals found in food have superior bioavailability. This means your body can absorb and utilize them more easily than their inorganic counterparts. It's like the difference between starting a fire with a lighter versus rubbing two sticks together.

Bioavailability Matters

Let's look at a real-life example involving iron and how our bodies react to different sources. Imagine two people who need more iron. One chooses to eat a large portion of spinach, while the other opts for iron-fortified cereal containing iron oxide.

The spinach provides iron in a form that the body recognizes, making absorption more efficient. The cereal, while fortified with iron, doesn't guarantee the same level of absorption. This is because the inorganic iron in the cereal might not be as readily available to the body.

Making Informed Choices

When choosing a mineral supplement, consider the mineral source. Many multivitamins and mineral supplements contain inorganic minerals because they are cheaper to produce. However, cheaper isn't always better, especially regarding health.

Always check supplement labels for wording that indicates the use of organic or plant-derived minerals. For example, a label might list "zinc proteinate" instead of "zinc oxide" to specify an organic zinc source.

Focus on Real Food

Eating a proper diet rich in various whole foods is the best way to ensure you receive enough organic trace minerals. Your plate should contain plenty of colorful fruits and vegetables.

Also, incorporate nuts, seeds, and healthy fats from sources like avocados, olive oil, and fatty fish. Remember, Mother Nature knows best. Choose food sources of minerals whenever possible for optimal health and well-being.

Mineral Magic

Minerals are essential nutrients that our bodies require to perform various functions, such as maintaining bone health, supporting the immune system, and regulating metabolism. These minerals can be categorized into two types: organic and inorganic.

Organic minerals are derived from plant and animal sources and are generally more bioavailable, meaning they are more easily absorbed and utilized by the body.

In contrast, inorganic minerals come from non-living sources like rocks and soil and may not be as efficiently absorbed.

For those following a ketogenic diet, incorporating nutrient-dense foods that provide organic minerals is crucial. Foods like leafy greens, nuts, seeds, and high-quality animal products are excellent sources.

Additionally, enjoying delicious and nutrient-rich snacks like peanut butter cream cheese fat bombs can help you meet your dietary needs while satisfying your cravings.

These fat bombs are a perfect example of combining taste and nutrition; made from peanut butter and cream cheese, they are rich in healthy fats, protein, and essential minerals.

To make peanut butter cream cheese fat bombs, simply mix together equal parts of peanut butter and cream cheese with a low-carb sweetener until smooth, then roll into small balls and refrigerate until firm.

These delightful treats not only support your mineral intake but also provide a satisfying and energy-boosting snack that aligns with your ketogenic lifestyle.

By understanding the differences between organic and inorganic minerals and incorporating mineral-rich foods and snacks like peanut butter cream cheese fat bombs into your diet,

you can ensure that you are fueling your body with the best possible nutrients for optimal health and well-being.

Conclusion

Choosing organic minerals over inorganic minerals is essential for good health. Opting for whole foods rich in naturally occurring organic minerals ensures better absorption and utilization by the body.

While supplements may sometimes be necessary, prioritize those with organic or plant-derived forms. Listen to your body; it craves nutrients that it can easily use. Make choices that support your overall well-being.