Minerals are essential nutrients that are required for maintaining human health. They are involved in numerous biochemical processes, including cell growth and development, metabolism, and nerve function. Although minerals are present in many foods, they are often not in sufficient quantities to meet the body’s needs. For this reason, it is important to include mineral-rich foods in the diet or to take a daily multivitamin/mineral supplement.
The body needs minerals for many different functions, including:
- Building bones and teeth
- Maintaining a healthy immune system
- Regulating blood pressure and heart rate
- Producing energy
- Nerve function
Three of the Following are True for Minerals. Which One of the Following is Not True for Minerals?
Minerals are inorganic substances that come from the Earth. They are found in rocks, soil and water. According to the Mayo Clinic, minerals are essential nutrients that your body needs in small amounts to work properly. Minerals can not be made by your body and must be obtained through diet or supplements. There are two types of minerals: macrominerals and trace minerals. Macrominerals are needed in larger amounts than trace minerals.
There are many different minerals that are essential to your health, including calcium, chloride, iron, magnesium, phosphorus, potassium and sodium. Each mineral has a specific function in your body 3. For example, calcium is necessary for strong bones and teeth, while iron is needed for oxygen transport in the blood.
While all minerals are important, some minerals are more likely to be lacking in the diet than others. According to the National Institutes of Health, the following minerals are of particular concern :
- Calcium: Most people do not get enough calcium in their diet. Calcium is needed for strong bones and teeth, as well as proper muscle function and blood clotting.
- Iron: Iron deficiency is the most common nutrient deficiency in the world. Iron is necessary for oxygen transport in the blood and for proper immune function.
- Magnesium: Magnesium is involved in many different biochemical reactions in the body. It is necessary for proper muscle function, energy production and blood pressure regulation.
- Potassium: Potassium is an electrolyte that helps to maintain proper fluid balance in the body. It is also necessary for proper muscle function and heart health.
How to Make Sure You’re Getting Enough Minerals in Your Diet?
There are many ways to ensure that you’re getting enough minerals in your diet. The best way is to eat a variety of whole, unprocessed foods that are rich in minerals. Some good sources of mineral-rich foods include:
- Dark leafy greens: Dark leafy greens such as spinach and kale are excellent sources of calcium, iron and magnesium.
- Beans and legumes: Beans and legumes such as black beans, lentils and chickpeas are excellent sources of iron, magnesium and phosphorus.
- Nuts and seeds: Nuts and seeds such as almonds, pumpkin seeds and sunflower seeds are good sources of magnesium, zinc and selenium.
- Fish: Fish such as salmon, tuna and sardines are good sources of iodine, zinc and selenium.
In addition to eating a variety of mineral-rich foods, you may also need to take a daily multivitamin/mineral supplement to ensure that you’re getting enough of these essential nutrients.
What Mineral Supplement Should I Get?
There are many different mineral supplements on the market. It’s important to choose a high-quality supplement that contains all of the minerals you need in the proper amounts. Be sure to talk to your doctor or a registered dietitian before taking any supplements, as they can interact with certain medications and have other side effects.
The bottom line is that minerals are essential nutrients that your body needs for many different functions. Be sure to get enough of these important nutrients by eating a variety of mineral-rich foods and, if necessary, taking a daily multivitamin/mineral supplement.
