Shigechiyo Izumi, a Japanese man living in the Amami Islands died in 1986.

According to the Guinness Book of Records he was the male with the greatest authenticated age in the world.

If the records are accurate he was 120 years and 237 days old at the time of his death and the second longest lived ever second only to French woman Jeanne Calment.

He spent 98 years actively working and holds the record for the longest working life of any body worldwide. There has been some controversy over his birth date as his birth certificate might have been that of his older brother who died whilst still young.

In some cultures it is common to name a newborn child after a relative that has recently died. This is a usual practice in Italy for example but in other cultures it can be considered inappropriate at best.

Be that as it may, Mr Izumi still lived and remained active to a very advanced age.

The Amami Islands include the Sango Coral Islands and are in the Okinawa region of Japan.

The area is renowned for the longevity of its inhabitants so the question is, why?

Is there any way we can benefit from knowing that these people live longer, healthier and enjoy active lives more than the rest of us?

It seems that calcium could possibly be the key!

The Sango Islands were formed from coral reefs which have a similar chemical composition to human bones. When it rains, water percolates through the coral picking up various essential minerals, elements and essential vitamins. At the same time the water has a pH value between 7 and 8.5.

This is a measurement of alkalinity and the human body needs to be alkaline, if acidic it means a deficiency of oxygen and disease resistance is seriously lowered.

Coral calsium contains over 70 trace elements many of which are essential to human health and longevity. Coral calcium also has the effect of increasing the level of oxygen in our bodies and oxygen both as an integral element of water that makes up between 65 and 70% of the composition of our bodies is also present in other vital areas and is fundamental to our health.

Amongst other vital bodily activities it is essential in the process of efficient waste disposal from our bodies which if allowed to accumulate becomes increasingly toxic.

So if we want to stay healthy and active, maybe outlive Mr Izumi, it leaves us with this question – can we get hold of a regular supply of coral calcium from the Sango Coral Islands?

Our information is that it is possible as the Japanese Government is carefully monitoring production of coral calcium from this region and not allowing any living coral to be damaged.

The end product is in the form of capsules that can be obtained on line.

However, there are over 200 diseases linked to mineral deficiency and very many species of coral so stick to the Japanese coral calcium.

Failing that then drink oxygen rich spring or mineral water with a high pH level and “live long and prosper”

There are two categories of minerals required by the human body.

Both categories play their role in health and fitness by  building bones, teeth, cells and enzymes, regulating the balances of bodily fluids and nerve responses, delivering oxygen to cells and removing carbon dioxide.

The Major Minerals

These are calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, sodium, sulphur, and chlorides and they all are needed in larger amounts of more than 250 milligrams each day.

The Trace Minerals

Copper, chromium, fluoride, iodine, iron, manganese, molybdenum, selenium, and zinc. These minerals although essential to maintaining the efficiency of the body are only required in small amounts of less than 20 milligrams per day.

As most people today do not have diets that regularly provide a sufficient and balanced amount of vitamins and minerals needed by the body, the correct supplements can make up the shortfall to help keep us in trim.

Just remember that the body has many other requirements for health and to keep disease at bay, such as fibre for digestion, anti oxidants and not to forget protein, carbohydrates and fats so do not be too tempted to rely on supplements.

A good balanced diet will still be important

Unless otherwise recommended by a qualified medical practitioner a reliable multivitamin/mineral supplement that provides a balance 100% of each days requirement (%DV) of all the minerals and vitamins should be taken with the exception of calcium which should be taken separately otherwise the tablets would be too large.

Do not be tempted to go for supplements with a higher than 100% DV for one or more of the minerals or vitamins as this can lead to an adverse effect.

In the U.S. look out for the U.S. Pharmacopeia (USP) on the label indicating that the product meets their standards.

In most other countries there will be an identification to indicate that acceptable standards have been complied with.

Read the labels, stick to the recommended dose, comply with the storage advice and the expiration dates and don’t forget to keep out of reach of children.

Keeping fit is the path to health, wealth and happiness.

Addendum

This is an example of the importance to the body of just one trace mineral: -

Copper

Although the body requires only very small amounts of copper, it plays an important role in many of our essential functions.
Traces of copper are found in peas,  beans and other pulses, artichokes, bananas mushrooms, nuts tomatoes, potatoes, and in slightly larger amounts in liver and oysters.
As it is unlikely that substantial amounts of these healthy foods are going to feature in most people’s daily diet it would not be unexpected that the body’s daily requirement of copper is not being met.

The body uses copper to produce certain enzymes and antioxidants, proteins such as collagen, which is vital in building bones, skin and connective nerve and other tissue.

It is involved in red blood cell production, the immune system, fertility and the production of melanin, found in the hair, skin and eyes.

A deficiency of copper may be linked to osteoporosis, increased risk of heart disease and cancer.

Minerals are the inorganic substance that occurs naturally in rocks and in the ground and has its own characteristic appearance and chemical composition.

The three main functions of minerals are as constituents of the skeleton, as soluble salts which help control the composition of the body fluids, and as essential adjuncts to the action of many enzymes and other proteins.
There are many different types of minerals such as calcium, magnesium, potassium, selenium, zinc, and chromium picolinate.

Calcium

Calsium is a major mineral essential for healthy and strong bones and teeth. It is also ensures the proper functioning of muscles and nerves and even helps your blood clot. It is of very much importance for the growing children.

The sources of calcium are milk, cheese, eggs, dairy products, fruits, green vegetables, almonds, seaweeds (such as kelp, wakame and hijiki), nuts, beans and pulses, breads and fish.

The deficiency of calcium can affect bone and teeth formation, while its excess can lead to kidney stones.

Magnesium

Magnesium is an important mineral that helps the body to maintain muscles, nerves, and bones. It is also used in heart rhythm, energy metabolism and protein synthesis.

The major sources of magnesium are spinach, nuts, seeds, whole grains, water, fruits and vegetables.

The deficiency of magnesium can cause sensitiveness to noise, nervousness, irritability, mental depression, confusion, twitching, trembling, apprehension, insomnia, muscle weakness and cramps in the toes, feet, legs, or fingers.

Potassium

Potassium is a mineral that serves as an electrolyte and is involved in the balance of fluid within the body.

It is important in controlling the activity of the heart, muscles, nervous system and just about every cell in the body.

It regulates the water balance and acid-base balance in the blood and tissues.

Our bodies contain more than twice as much potassium as sodium (typically nine ounces versus four ounces).

The major sources of potassium are bananas and orange juice. Some other sources include breads, cereals and other grain products.

The deficiency of potassium can cause your muscles not to work properly and you will feel weak. The excess of potassium can cause an irregular heart beat.