Vitamins and minerals are essential for the proper functioning of our body. There are different types of minerals which help our body functions in various ways. A deficiency of the needed minerals cause harm to the function of our body. Vitamins and minerals are present in the food we consume each day. Some foods are rich in certain types of minerals while others may have an abundance of some other minerals. Let's take a look at some of the minerals, their functions and their source.
Sodium balances electrolytes and fluids. It also helps in contraction of muscles and transmissions in nerve impulse. Sodium can be found in soy sauce, meats, bread, salt and milk. Chloride preserves the balance of electrolytes and fluids. It helps in the process of digestion. Meats, soy sauce, eggs, salt and milk are rich in chlorides.
The purpose of Potassium in the body is to uphold the balance of electrolytes and fluids, integrity of the cells, contractions of muscles and transmissions of nerve impuls. Daily food stuffs like acorn squash, potatoes, spinach, artichoke, carrots, broccoli, tomato juice, green beans, grapefruit juice, avocado, strawberries, banana, watermelon, cod and milk have ample supplies of potassium.
Calcium helps in the production of strong teeth and bones and aids in clotting of blood. Calcium is in abundance in yogurt, Swiss cheese, milk, tofu, cheddar cheese, green beans, broccoli, sardines, spinach etc.
Phosphorus is another important mineral which assists in proper forming of bones, teeth and cells. It also holds up the balance of acid-base in the body. Animal foods like eggs, poultry, meats, milk and fish are rich in Phosphorous.
Magnesium helps in maintaining mineralization of bones, build up of proteins, nerve impulse transmission, contraction of muscles and immunity. The mineral is present in artichokes, spinach, broccoli, tomato juice, tofu, green beans, cashews, black-eyed peas, halibut, .navy beans, sunflower seeds and pinto beans,
Iron transmits oxygen all over the cells of our body. Parsley, shrimp, artichoke, spinach, tomato juice, beef liver, clams, broccoli, tofu and green beans contains iron deposits for your body.
Zinc is a division of numerous enzymes. It takes part in the creation of genetic objects and in the production of proteins. Zinc transfers vitamin A, improvements perception of taste, heals wound, produces sperm and assists in the healthy growth of fetus. Spinach, green peas, green beans, broccoli, lentils, oysters, lean ground beef, tomato juice, plain yogurt, shrimp, crab, Swiss cheese, tofu, turkey (dark meat), lean ham, lean sirloin steak, ricotta cheese etc have sufficient Zinc supply.
It is important to ensure your body gets sufficient supply of the necessary vitamins and minerals for its good function.