So far, we’ve had a
fair conversation about some micronutrients, notably antioxidants and vitamins. Another
class of micronutrients known as minerals is as essential as the former two.
Minerals allow the body to develop, function, and maintain itself throughout life.
Unlike vitamins however, minerals are inorganic substances and are not affected
by air, acid, or heat. Minerals perform bodily functions such as cell building, repair and communication, fluid balance and immune function to name a few. Also, they come from various food sources and fall under
2 categories including
Major minerals
Calcium,
phosphorous, magnesium, Sodium and Chloride
Trace minerals (needed in even smaller
amounts)
Iron, copper,
iodine (iodide), selenium, chromium, manganese, molybdenum, zinc, Fluoride.
As always, eat a
variety of foods in moderation to supply your body with these essential
nutrients.
Sources
Hivehealthmedia
McGuire, M; Beerman, K. A. (2007). Nutritional Sciences. From Fundamentals to
Food. Thomson Wadsworth: Belmont, CA
Photo credit: Helpguide.org
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