Many people are familiar with the importance of vitamins for healthy bodies, but not everyone realizes humans need minerals in order to build bones, create hormones and regulate heartbeats. Minerals are essential to many processes like digestion, formation of cells, immunity to disease, energy and metabolism. The body cannot live without even small amounts of minerals like copper and some minerals like magnesium, affect all of the body's biological processes.
Two Types of Minerals
Minerals used by the body are either macrominerals or trace minerals. Macrominerals are used in larger quantities than trace minerals. Trace minerals are used in smaller quantities, but are just as important.
Calcium and Flouride
Calcium is an important macromineral that is necessary for healthy bones and teeth. It comprises two to three pounds of a person's weight. Besides its building functions, calcium helps with nerves, muscles, immunity, blood clotting and producing energy. Flouride, a trace mineral, also helps build bones and teeth.
Phosphorus
Without phosphorus, the body would be affected everywhere because it is a part of all cell functions, and is used in cell membranes. Phosphorus, a macromineral, also contributes to helping build strong bones.
Potassium and Chloride
Potassium, a macromineral, is an electrolyte that is extremely important for maintaining electrical activity for the heart. But its functions are not limited to one system; it also assists with normal growth, nerves and cellular functioning. Chloride, also a macromineral, helps keep the body's electrolyte and fluid balance, and helps digestion.
Magnesium and Sulfur
Magnesium, a macromineral, performs essential functions for the body's use of glucose, and synthesis of chemicals needed for energy. This multifunctional nutrient assists in better lung function, and even helps prevent depression. Sulfur is another macromineral that helps everything by its role in amino acids responsible for constructing almost all of the body. Sulfur slows down the aging process, and helps keep skin elastic and supple.
Iron and Copper
Both iron and copper are trace minerals necessary for production of hemoglobin, causing red color in blood. They both assist neurotransmitters in the brain. Copper also helps with regulation of blood pressure and pulse, the immune system, and healing.
Sodium
Sodium is a macromineral that is essential for keeping the water balance in body tissues. It also helps with muscles and digestion.
References
- MedlinePlus: Minerals; 2010, as updated
- Texas Heart Institute: Minerals: What They Do and Where to Get Them; July 2010, as updated
- Texas Heart Institute: Trace Elements: What They Do and Where to Get Them; July 2010, as updated
- Mineral Information Institute: The Role of Elements in Life Processes; 2010, as updated
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