Minerals, also known as dietary minerals when considered in terms of food consumption, are chemical elements that are needed by humans and animals alike. After being dissolved, minerals tend not to remain in the same form, and will break down into ions. For example, sodium chloride after dissolution is known to break down into sodium ions and chloride ions. Normally a conventional diet is enough to help an individual meet the mineral requirements, though excessive mineral intake may lead to various types of poisoning.
Minerals consumed daily by human beings are known as macro-minerals and are required at relatively larger amounts than micro-minerals, which are only required for consumption on a nominal basis. Consumable minerals are mostly elements originating in the earth, and are not artificial. Most of the types of minerals in the human diet are known to come directly from the plants and animals we eat, and the water we drink. The various types of minerals available from the earth include calcium, chromium, copper, iodine, iron, magnesium, manganese, phosphorus, potassium, selenium, sodium and zinc.
Minerals play a major role in helping your body grow, develop and function properly. Minerals help not only to strengthen your bones, but also to help transmit impulses between nerves, maintain normal heartbeats and create hormones. Food items like red meats such as beef are a good source of iron. Macro-minerals specifically include calcium, chloride, phosphorus, magnesium, sodium, potassium and sulfur while micro-minerals include manganese, iron, iodine, copper, fluoride, zinc, and selenium.
Calcium in particular helps build strong teeth and is contained in most dairy products including milk, cheeses, and yogurt. Types of fish providing calcium include canned salmons and sardines, while leafy vegetables like broccoli and fruits like oranges are best sources of calcium. Iron is known to be found in red meats like beef, tuna and salmon, eggs, beans, potatos, raisins or dried fruits, leafy vegetables like broccoli, wheat and oats. Potassium mineral in human body is known to help maintain muscles and keep nervous systems working properly. Food items rich in potassium include bananas, broccoli, tomatoes, potato skin, broccoli, oranges, dried fruits, beans, peas, lentils and peanuts.
Zinc is known to promote the immune system in our bodies and to help the body fight off illness and infections. Zinc is also known to help in the healing of wounds and skin cuts. Foods containing zinc include beef, pork, lamb, beans, peas, lentils and peanuts.
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