Types of Minerals

Minerals

Minerals are essential for good health. They are found in body tissues, and regulate body fluids, or assist in various body functions. Any abnormal concentration of minerals in the blood can help diagnose different disorders. Minerals cannot provide energy by themselves, but in their role as body regulators. they contribute to the production of energy within the body. Minerals are found in water, and unprocessed foods. together with proteins, carbohydrates, fats, and vitamins. Most of us consume far too much sugar and need not only to consume more vitamins and minerals, but topreserve the vitamin content in the food we eat.
 

Major Minerals: Calcium

Calcium: in combination with phosphorus, is a component of bones and teeth, giving them strength and hardness, Bones, in turn store calcium. Calcium is also needed for nerve and muscle function, blood clotting, heart function, and cell metabolism. Each cell requires calcium. It is carried throughout the body by the blood, and its delivery to the cells is regulated by the hormonal system. Normal blood calcium levels re maintained even if intake is poor.
The best sources of calcium are milk and milk products. They provide large quantities of calcium in small servings. Calcium is also found in dark green leafy vegetables. Factors believed to enhance the absorption of calcium include adequate vitamin D, and a calcium -phosphorus ratio that includes no more phosphorus than calcium.

Phoshorus

Phosphorus together with calcium is the necessary for formation of strong, rigid bones and teeth. Phosphorus is also important in the matabolism of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins, Phosphorus is present in all body cells. It is necessary for proper acid-base balance of the blood and is essential for the effects of several B vitamins. Like calcium, phosphorus is stored in bones, and its absorption is increased in the presence of vitamin D. Although phosphorus is widely distributed in foods, its best sources re protein-rich foods such as milk, cheese, meats, and fish. Cereals, nuts and soft drinks contain large amounts of phosphorus.

Potassium

Potassium, also know as vitamin K, is found primarily in intracellular fluid. Like sodium, it is essential for fluid balance and osmosis. Potassium maintains the fluid level within the cell, and sodium maintains the fluid level outside the cell. Osmosis moves the fluid in and out of cells as needed to maintain electrolyte balance. Potassium is necessary for transmission of nerve impulses and for muscle contractions.

Sodium

Sodium is an electrolyte whose primary function is the control of fluid balance in the body. It controls the extracellular fluid and is necessary for osmosis, Sodium is also necessary to maintain the acid-base balance of the body. In addition, it aids in transmission of nerve impulses essential for muscle function. Sources of sodium are table salt, and is naturally available in animal foods. Fruits and vegetables contain a little sodium.

Chloride

Chloride is an essential electrolyte that is essential for maintenance of fluid, electrolyte, and acid base balance. Sources are found in table salt.

Magnesium

magnesium is vital to hard and soft body tissues. It is essential for metabolism and regulates nerve and muscle function. Including skeletal muscle, cardiac and smooth muscle. Foods such as avocados and bananas are rich in this mineral.

Trace Minerals

Iron delivers oxygen to body tissues. It is a component of Red blood cells. It is also a component in providing oxygen to cells and utilizes enzymes that are involved in the production of amino acids. Iron can be found in fish

Zinc

Zinc affects many body tissues. It is essential for growth, wound healing, glucose tolerance, and the mobilization of vitamin A within the body. It is found in protein foods, meat, fish eggs, and dairy products,

Selenium

Selenium is a part of most body tissues, but is most important to liver, kidneys, and the heart. It is a component of an enzyme that acts as an antioxidant.

Copper

Copper is concentrated heavily in the liver, kidneys, muscles, and brain. As an essential component of enzymes, it helps in the formation of Red Blood Cells. Copper is available in many foods. and its best sources are shellfish, nuts, whole grain cereals,and organ meats.

Manganese

Manganese is involved in metabolism. it is part of bone formation. The best sources are whole grains and tea.

Flouride

fluoride increases one's resistance to dental cavities. It also strengthens bones. Sources of fluoride are fluoridated water.

Chromium

Chromium is associated with sugar and fat metabolism. Chromium levels decrease with age, and increase in the lungs