Importance of Minerals in our Diet

Human body is a complicated machine. We need proper fuels to make our body function effectively and efficiently. They are vitamins, minerals and nutrients. Minerals are required to keep the body healthy, energetic and fit.

Minerals are inorganic substances that occur naturally in certain nonliving things like water, soil and rocks. Minerals are found in plants and animals also. Plants absorb the minerals found in the soil when they are watered through root hairs.

Animals get their minerals when they eat the plants and plant products. They absorb minerals present in water when they drink water. Human body is not capable of producing all the nutrients that we need to function properly. Minerals are one such nutrient not produced in human bodies. So we must obtain them through our food. Therefore it is necessary to eat mineral-rich diet.

Minerals are of two types. They are:

i)    Major Minerals or Macro Minerals.   ii) Trace Minerals or Micro Minerals.

Minerals are required in different amounts but they are all essential. Minerals are grouped depending on how much they are needed on a daily basis. The minerals that are needed more in bigger amounts on a daily basis are known as “macro-minerals” or “major minerals”. The minerals that are needed less and in smaller amounts are known as “micro-minerals” or “trace elements”.

The Macro Minerals are Calcium, Phosphorus, Potassium, Magnesium, Sulfur, Sodium, and Chloride.

The Micro minerals are Iron, Boron, Chromium, Iodine, Manganese, Molybdenum, Selenium, Silicon, Copper, Cobalt, Fluoride and few others.

Minerals are essential for human body to keep us healthy. They are important for several bodily functions.

Minerals are required for building strong bones, teeth, skin, hair and muscles. They are also required for strengthening nerves.

Minerals give us vitality. All cells require enzymes to work and function. Minerals act as cofactors for enzyme reactions as enzymes will not work without minerals.

Minerals help to maintain pH balance and water balance within the body.

Minerals facilitate transfer of nutrients across cell membrane.

Minerals help in contraction and expansion of muscles.

Minerals regulate tissue growth.

Minerals provide structural and functional support to our body.

Minerals only make up a very small percentage of body weight. But their role is very significant. Life would not be possible without minerals. There are about 18 to 22 minerals necessary for metabolic functions. Their absence would result in the imbalance of minerals in our body causing either deficiencies or excesses resulting in physiological impairment.

Here are the diseases caused by mineral deficiencies:

Osteoporosis, brittleness of bones is caused by the deficiency of Calcium.

Certain cancers like   prostate cancer, breast cancer, and skin cancer, hormonal imbalance, hydrochloric acid imbalance are caused  by the deficiency of Zinc.

Cell metabolism and several other related functions are caused by the deficiency of Magnesium.

Anemia or lack of hemoglobin in the blood is the result of deficient iron in our body.

Dental decay is caused by  the deficiency of Fluorine.

Goiter is caused by the deficiency of Iodine.

And so on…..

Minerals are very often found in fresh fruits and green vegetable. Meat, fishes, and milk are also rich sources of minerals. Good physical health is important for enjoying life. Therefore it is important to eat nutritious diet rich in mineral sources. Good nutrition is an important part of leading a healthy lifestyle. Combined with physical activities, a mineral-rich diet will help us to reach and maintain a healthy weight. It will reduce the risk of chronic diseases like heart diseases and cancer, and promote our overall health and wellbeing.