Minerals

Minerals are very essential for the development and functioning of our body. The body needs many minerals and also known as essential minerals. The essential minerals may be divided as major minerals (macrominerals) and trace minerals (microminerals).

Major Minerals: Sodium, chloride, calcium, potassium, magnesium, phosphorus, sulfur

Minor Minerals: Iron, zinc, Selenium, Iodine, Copper, Manganese, Fluoride, Molybdenum, Chromium

Sodium:  Sodium, helps to keep the water (the amount of fluid outside  and inside the cells of the body) and electrolyte balance of the body, as it is both an electrolyte and mineral. It is also important in how muscles and nerves work. Low sodium levels lead to health issues, such as heart failure, malnutrition, and diarrhoea. Sources- Table salt, soy sauce, processed foods, milk, vegetables, breads, unprocessed meats

Chloride: helps in proper fluid balance, stomach acid. Source – Table salt, soy sauce, processed foods, milk, breads, meats, and vegetables

Calcium: needed to build and maintain strong bones and is also needed for maintaining healthy communication between the brain and other parts of the body. Also helps to relax the muscles and contract, nerve functioning, blood pressure regulation, blood clotting. Source: dairy products, fish (salmon, sardines),soy milk, tofu, mustard greens, broccoli, legumes

Potassium: required for proper fluid balance, muscle contraction and nerve transmission. Source –  Meats, fresh fruits, milk, vegetables, whole grains, legumes

Magnesium: is a nutrient that regulates blood sugar levels, muscle and nerve function,  and blood pressure and making bone, protein, and DNA. Source-Nuts and seeds, green veg,  legumes, seafood.

Phosphorus: present in very cell essential, for healthy bones and teeth, that maintains acid-base balance. Source- Meat, poultry, fish, eggs, milk, processed foods.

Sulfur: to build and fix DNA and protect the cells from damage which may lead to serious diseases such as cancers. Also assists the body to metabolize food and contributes improve  skin, tendons, and ligaments. Source- meats, fish, poultry, eggs, legumes, milk,  nuts