Regulate body processes, are necessary for proper cellular
function, and comprise body tissue.
Minerals are solid inorganic substances that form crystals
and are classified depending on how much of them we need. Trace minerals, such
as molybdenum, selenium, zinc, iron, and iodine, are only required in a few
milligrams or less. Macrominerals, such as calcium, magnesium, potassium,
sodium, and phosphorus, are required in hundreds of milligrams. Many minerals
are critical for enzyme function, while others are used to maintain fluid
balance, build bone tissue, synthesize hormones, transmit nerve impulses,
contract and relax muscles, and protect against harmful free radicals in the
body that can cause health problems such as cancer.
Macro-minerals
Calcium
Bone and teeth health maintenance, nerve transmission,
muscle contraction, blood clotting
Chloride
Fluid
balance, stomach acid production.
Chloride aids in fluid balance by helping to maintain neutrality. Chloride also plays a role in controlling fluid releases, such as the flow of pancreatic juice into the small intestine and mucus.
Food sources of chloride include tomatoes, lettuce, celery, and olives. Chloride is also found in table salt, sea salt as sodium chloride, and a salt substitute known as potassium chloride.
Magnesium
Protein
production, nerve transmission, muscle contraction
Phosphorous
Bone
and teeth health maintenance, acid-base balance
Potassium is the most abundant positively charged ion inside of cells. It is present in all body tissues and is required for normal cell function due to its role in maintaining fluid balance. It is important for many body functions, including kidney and heart function, muscle contraction, and nerve transmission.
Potassium is abundant in fruits and vegetables, which are great food sources. Foods exceptionally rich in potassium include potatoes, tomatoes, avocados, bananas, orange juice, and vegetables such as root and leafy green vegetables. It is mainly added as a part of a salt substitute.
Sodium is the primary regulator of water balance and plays an important role in nerve transmission, muscle contraction, nutrient absorption, and reabsorption. The kidneys control how much sodium is in the body. When there is too much sodium present in the body, the kidneys have difficulty getting rid of it, which causes it to build up in the blood. This can lead to high blood pressure and other health problems. Many diet’s major sodium source is salt, which is made up of sodium chloride.
Processed foods are high in sodium. This includes fast and processed foods like pizza, chips, and condiments. The sodium present in foods such as milk, meat, eggs, and most vegetables only makes up about 10% of consumed sodium.
Sulphur
Protein
production
Trace Minerals
Chromium
Assists
insulin in glucose metabolism
Copper
Coenzyme,
iron metabolism
Fluoride
Bone
and teeth health maintenance, tooth decay prevention
Iodine
Thyroid
hormone production, growth, metabolism
Iron
Carries oxygen, assists in energy production
Manganese
Coenzyme
Molybdenum
Coenzyme
Selenium
Antioxidant
Zinc
Protein
and DNA production, wound healing, growth, immune system function
