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Importance Of Minerals For Our Body

By Debdatta Mazumder

Human body is like a machine. It needs an appropriate fuel to run properly. The fuels of human body are vitamins, minerals and other essential nutrients.

To know the importance of minerals for our body, you need to know about the types of minerals and their effects. Minerals are essential to the human body, as they keep you healthy and functioning.

Also Read: Eat These 7 Minerals To Get A Younger-looking Skin

What is the use of minerals for our body? To carry out the daily functions and processes of your body, minerals are necessary.

Actually, minerals are inorganic substances, and these are found in soil and rocks. So, how can minerals enter the body? Foods are an essential source of these minerals.

Different foods contain different types of minerals. If rock salt is a wonderful source of sodium, you can get calcium in milk and eggs. Minerals are of two types namely major minerals (macrominerals) and trace minerals (microminerals).

Also Read: 8 Vitamin And Mineral Myths

The importance of minerals on our body depends on the balanced diet that we take in. If you know which type of food contains what type of minerals, it would be easier for you to keep count on the minerals that you’re taking.

Here are the types and the importance of minerals for our body. Read on to know more.

1. Sodium:

1. Sodium:

It is a major mineral that is needed for nerve transmission, appropriate fluid balance and muscle contraction. You can get sodium from soy sauce, table salt and in some types of vegetables.

2. Calcium:

2. Calcium:

It is a well-known fact that calcium is effective for your teeth and bone health. Besides this, you need calcium for muscle contraction and relaxation, blood pressure regulation, nerve functioning and a strong immune system. Milk and milk products and fishes are rich sources of calcium.

3. Phosphorus:

3. Phosphorus:

While discussing the importance of minerals for our body, we can't ignore this one. Besides strengthening the bones and teeth, this mineral also keeps acid balance in your body. Have poultry products, meat and milk to maintain a proper balance of this mineral in your body.

4. Magnesium:

4. Magnesium:

Nuts and seeds, leafy green veggies, seafoods, dark chocolate, even hard drinks, etc, are rich sources of magnesium. For a stronger immunity and nervous system, magnesium is the best mineral you need.

5. Iron:

5. Iron:

This is a trace mineral and is needed comparatively in small amount when compared to major minerals. Iron is needed for making red blood corpuscles that carry oxygen throughout the human body. Also, to increase energy and metabolic rate, iron is a must. Dry fruits, poultry products, shellfish, leafy greens, etc, are sources of iron that are required for your body.

6. Iodine:

6. Iodine:

Do you want to know the importance of minerals for our body? Then you must know that iodine is that micromineral that helps in the growth and proper development of the body and also gives you a better metabolism. Seafood, salt, dairy products, etc, are great sources of iodine.

7. Zinc:

7. Zinc:

One of the most important minerals for the human body, especially for pregnant women, is zinc, as it helps in a proper development of the foetus. Along with a strong immunity, this mineral boosts sexual desire, sperm production and an overall growth of your body. Vegetables, whole grains, poultry products, etc, are rich sources of zinc.

Story first published: Thursday, April 28, 2016, 14:26 [IST]
Read more about: minerals body