Minerals And Their Significance To A Human Body

Essential Minerals List and Their Roles in Health

Macro Elements

Calcium(Ca)

Sources: Milk, Cereals, Cheese, Green Vegetables, Fish, Eggs, Meat, etc
Significance: Main component for the formation of teeth and bones, blood clotting, the function of nerves and muscles.
Effects of deficiency: Weak teeth and bones, retarded body growth, children suffered by Rickets.

Phosphorus(P)

Sources: Vegetables, Soybeans, Milk, Eggs, Fish, Meat, etc.
Significance: Required for the formation of teeth and bones, as well as the synthesis of nucleic acids.
Effects of deficiency: Weak teeth and bones; retarded body growth and physiology, children suffered by Rickets.

Sulphur(S)

Sources: Many proteins in food.
Significance: Component of many amino acids.
Effects of deficiency: Distributed protein metabolism.

Potassium(K)

Sources: Meat, milk, cereals, fruits, and vegetables
Significance: Required for acid-base balance, water regulation, and the function of nerves.
Effects of deficiency: Low blood pressure, weak muscles, risk of paralysis.

Chlorine(Cl)

Sources: Table salt
Significance: Required for acid-base balance; component of gastric juice.
Effects of deficiency: Loss of appetite; muscle cramps.

Magnesium(Mg)

Sources: Cereals, green vegetables
Significance: Co-factor of many enzymes of glycolysis and a number of other metabolic reactions dependent upon ATP.
Effects of deficiency: Irregular heartbeat, muscle pain, hysteria.

Iron(Fe)

Sources: Meat, Eggs, Cereals, Green Vegetables, Pulses, Fruits, Fish, etc.
Significance: The Main component of hemoglobin.
Effects of deficiency: Anemia, weakness, and weak immunity.

Iodine(I)

Sources: Milk, Cheese, Sea Food, Beat, Salgam
Significance: An Important component of the Thyroxine hormone and the Thyroid Gland.
Effects of deficiency: Goiter, Cretinism.

Sodium(Na)

Sources: Salt, Vegetables, Fish, Eggs, Meat, etc.
Significance: Control function of the Heart, Muscles, and Nerves.
Effects of deficiency: Destroy Muscles, Weight Loss, Tiredness.

Micro Elements

Fluorine(F)

Sources: Drinking water, tea, seafood
Significance: Maintenance of bones and teeth.
Effects of deficiency: Weak teeth, and a larger amount causes a mottling of teeth.

Zinc(Zn)

Sources: Cereals, Milk, eggs, meat, seafood
Significance: Co-factor of digestive and many other enzymes.
Effects of deficiency: Retarded growth, anemia, rough skin, weak immunity, and fertility.

Copper(Cu)

Sources: Meat, dry fruits, pods, green vegetables, and seafood.
Significance: Co-factor of the cytochrome oxidase enzyme. Necessary for iron metabolism and the development of blood vessels and connective tissues.
Effects of deficiency: Anaemia, weak blood vessels, and connective tissues.

Manganese(Mn)

Sources: Dry fruits, cereals, tea fruits, and green vegetables.
Significance: Co-factor of some enzymes of urea synthesis and transfer of the phosphate group.
Effects of deficiency: Irregular growth of bones, cartilages, and connective tissues.

Cobalt(Co)

Sources: Milk, cheese, and meat.
Significance: An Important component of Vitamin B12.
Effects of deficiency: Anaemia

Selenium(SE)

Sources: Meat, cereals, seafood
Significance: Co-factor of many enzymes; assists Vitamin E.
Effects of deficiency: Muscular pain; weakness of cardiac muscles.

Chromium(CR)

Sources: Yeast, seafood, meat, and some vegetables
Significance: Important for catabolic metabolism.
Effects of deficiency: Irregularities of catabolic metabolism and ATP production.

Molybdenum(Mo)

Sources: Cereals, pods, some vegetables
Significance: Co-factor of some enzymes.
Effects of deficiency: Irregular excretion of nitrogenous waste products.

What are the 5 most important minerals for the body?

Minerals are essential for keeping the body functioning properly. Here are five of the most important ones:

• Calcium - Crucial for strong bones and teeth, muscle function, and nerve signaling.
• Magnesium - Supports muscle and nerve function, helps regulate blood pressure, and aids in bone health.
• Iron - Essential for producing hemoglobin, which carries oxygen in the blood.
• Potassium - Helps regulate fluid balance, nerve signals, and muscle contractions.
• Zinc - Important for immune function, wound healing, and cell growth.

Each of these plays a vital role in maintaining overall health.

How do minerals help the human body function properly?

Minerals are the unsung heroes of the human body! They play a vital role in keeping everything running smoothly by supporting essential biological processes. Here's how they help:

• Bone & Teeth Strength - Calcium and phosphorus are the building blocks of strong bones and teeth.
• Muscle Function & Nerve Signaling - Magnesium and potassium regulate muscle contractions and nerve impulses, preventing cramps and maintaining coordination.
• Oxygen Transport - Iron is essential for producing hemoglobin, which carries oxygen throughout the body.
• Fluid Balance & Heart Health - Sodium and potassium help maintain hydration and blood pressure, ensuring proper heart function.
• Immune System & Healing - Zinc and selenium support immune responses, wound healing, and overall cell repair.

These minerals act like tiny workers inside your body, ensuring every system functions optimally.

What happens if you lack essential minerals?

Missing out on essential minerals can throw your body out of balance, leading to various health problems. Here's what can happen:

• Weak bones & teeth - A lack of calcium and phosphorus can cause brittle bones, increasing the risk of fractures.
• Muscle cramps & fatigue - Low magnesium or potassium levels can lead to muscle weakness, cramps, and exhaustion.
• Anemia & low energy - Without enough iron, your body struggles to produce hemoglobin, leading to fatigue and dizziness.
• Immune system issues - Zinc and selenium deficiencies can weaken your immune system, making you more susceptible to infections.
• Heart & nerve problems - Not enough potassium or sodium can disrupt nerve signaling and blood pressure regulation, affecting heart health.

Each mineral plays a key role in keeping you feeling strong and energized. Getting a balanced diet with nutrient-rich foods is the best way to avoid deficiencies

Which minerals are required daily for good health?

Your body needs a steady supply of essential minerals every day to keep everything running smoothly. Here are some of the most important ones:

• Calcium - Supports bone strength, muscle function, and nerve signaling.
• Magnesium - Helps with muscle contractions, nerve function, and energy production.
• Iron - Necessary for oxygen transport and preventing anemia.
• Potassium - Regulates fluid balance, muscle contractions, and heart health.
• Zinc - Boosts the immune system and aids in wound healing.
• Sodium - Maintains proper hydration and nerve function.
• Phosphorus - Works alongside calcium to strengthen bones and teeth.
• Selenium - Acts as an antioxidant, protecting cells from damage.

Getting these minerals through a balanced diet ensures you feel energized and healthy.

FAQ

Q: What’s the most important mineral?
ANS: It depends!

• For bones: Calcium
• For energy: Iron
• For nerves: Magnesium

Q: Can mineral deficiency cause weight gain?
ANS: Yes! Low iodine? Slows metabolism? Weight creep.

Q: How to get minerals if I’m vegan?
ANS: Focus on lentils, nuts, and fortified plant milk, etc.