The human body requires many ingredients to function properly. Minerals are naturally occurring elements. The human body contains dozens of minerals, some of which are "essential" to proper biological functioning. A deficiency of these minerals can lead to serious or even fatal consequences as cardiovascular or central nervous systems stop working. Most minerals are included in the foods we eat.
Calcium
Calcium is typically found in dairy products. This mineral is essential to bone and tooth growth and strength. It also functions in blood clotting and helps to regulate muscle control.
Magnesium
Magnesium is critical for proper functioning of the heart. It helps to stabilize heart beats and doctors sometimes prescribe the mineral for symptoms of arrhythmia. You will ingest magnesium naturally from eating green vegetables, nuts, bananas and whole grain foods.
Potassium
Potassium is another essential mineral critical to heart function. Along with magnesium, these minerals regulate your heart beat. Doctors may also use potassium to treat some cardiac symptoms. Bananas and potatoes are well-known sources of potassium.
Phosphorous
As with calcium, phosphorous helps to maintain strong bones and teeth. It is also found in dairy products, as well as many meats.
Iron
Some people struggle to maintain normal levels of iron in their body. This is especially true with women. Iron is critical in the distribution of oxygen throughout the body. Red meat and shellfish are the most common sources of iron, but you can also ingest it through beans and legumes. Vegetarians and women may frequently experience iron deficiency due to reduced meat intake or excessive iron loss through heavy menstruation.
Sodium
Sodium is an essential mineral that affects the muscles and fluid balance of the body. Salt is a well-known source of sodium, but it also occurs naturally in shellfish and avocados.
Chloride
Chloride is typically found in combination with sodium, in the form of table salt. As with sodium, chloride helps to regulate the body's natural balance of fluids, but it also helps to create stomach acid.
Zinc
Zinc is prolific throughout the body in nearly every cell. It is an important mineral for the strength of the immune system and reproductive organs. It occurs naturally in nearly all meats and beans.
Manganese
Manganese interacts with anti-oxidants to cleanse the body's cells from foreign objects called "free radicals." It also helps the body to convert food into energy and maintain a functioning metabolism. Nuts and whole grain foods are the primary sources of manganese in nature.
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