Minerals are important parts of the human body. Similar to vitamins*, minerals help your body grow and stay healthy.
The Minerals your body needs are called Essential Minerals. Essential Minerals are usually divided into two groups, Macrominerals and Trace Minerals. Both are key to the body in different amounts. |
Macrominerals are the minerals needed by the human body in large quantities. The macromineral group includes calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, sodium, potassium, chloride, and sulfur. These major minerals are all extremely important to the human body.
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Phosphorus, for example, is found in every cell of the body, helping to maintain acid ph and healthy bones.
Calcium is Important for healthy bones and teeth, it helps muscles relax and contract, is important in nerve functioning, and helps immune system health. Chloride is needed for a health stomach balance. Magnesium is found in the bones and is needed to build proteins. Potassium is needed for proper fluid balance, nerve transmission, and muscle contraction. Sulphur is found in protein molecules Sulphur is found in protein molecules. Sodium is needed for proper fluid balance, nerve transmission, and muscle contraction. In a balanced diet, one should obtain all the Macrominerals he/she needs. If not, dietary supplements may be necessary.
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Trace Minerals are the minerals needed by the human body in small quantities. The trace mineral group contains iron, zinc, iodine, selenium copper, manganese, fluoride, chromium, and molybdenum.
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Iron is part of hemoglobin, a molecule used to transport oxygen around the blood.
Zinc is part of many enzymes and is needed for making protein and genetic material. Iodine is a necessary element in the thyroid gland. Selenium is an antioxidant that protect the body from harm. Copper is part of several enzymes and part of iron metabolism. Manganese is part of many enzymes. Fluoride is used in the forming of bones and teeth, also helps prevent tooth decay. Chromium works with insulin to regulate glucose levels. Molybdenum is part of several enzymes. |