The bioelements They are elements that are present in all living beings. The main function of bioelements is to help the body where they are to survive. For example: carbon, magnesium, zinc.
Each cell is made up of different biomolecules (nucleic acids, protein, lipids, carbohydrates, etc). In turn, each of these biomolecules are made up of many atoms (atoms of oxygen, nitrogen, sulfur, match, etc).
For example, the elements that are present in the periodic table are atoms. Bioelements represent one atom unit. For example an atom of oxygen, one of phosphorus, one of sulfur, etc.
Classification of bioelements
These bioelements can be classified into primary, secondary and tertiary elements or trace elements according to the conformation of the biomolecules. That is, the combination of the different atoms of the molecules.
- Primary bioelements. These bioelements are essential for the formation of organic biomolecules. Some of them are carbon, hydrogen, nitrogen, phosphorus, oxygen, and sulfur. These are found inside living beings as well as in the earth’s atmosphere.
In turn, they are used to make biomolecules such as carbohydrates, proteins, lipids and nucleic acids. They constitute more than 95% of the bioelements of the organism. - Secondary bioelements. These are also present in all living things. They are fundamental since they collaborate in different metabolic processes of the organism (nervous system, cardiovascular system, digestive system, respiratory system, etc).
Among the most frequent secondary bioelements in the body are: chlorine, potassium, calcium and magnesium. The lack of these prevents the proper functioning of living organisms. - Tertiary bioelements, trace elements or variable secondary bioelements. These occupy only 1% of all the bioelements. However, the lack of these can cause great damage to the body as well as the abundant presence of them.
Some of the best known bioelements present in the body are iron, zinc, iodine and zinc.
Examples of bioelements
Primary bioelements
- Carbon (50%)
- Oxygen (20%)
- Nitrogen (14%)
- Hydrogen (8%)
- Phosphorus (5%)
- Sulfur (3%)
Secondary bioelements
- Magnesium
- Calcium
- Iron
- Manganese
- Potassium
Trace elements
- Cobalt
- Copper
- Fluorine
- Zinc
Examples of bioelements in food
| Water (fluorine) | Seafood (iodine) | Beans (copper) |
| Avocado (potassium) | Oregano (potassium) | Dried fruits (manganese) |
| Basil (potassium) | Bread (magnesium) | Egg (calcium) |
| White meat (copper) | Parsley (potassium) | Milk (calcium) |
| Red meat (magnesium) | Pepper (potassium) | Butter (calcium) |
| Onion (cobalt) | Banana (potassium) | Flax seeds (manganese) |
| Cereals (copper) | Cheese (calcium) | Soy (iron) |
| Chocolate (magnesium) | Radish (cobalt) | Tea (fluoride) |
| Coriander (potassium) | Rosemary (iron) | Thyme (iron) |
| Cumin (iron) | Cereal bran (manganese) | Vegetables (iron) |
| Turmeric (potassium) | Pumpkin seeds (manganese) | Yogurt (calcium) |
| Dill (iron) |