What are the different minerals?
There are many different minerals that are necessary for our body to function as it should. Minerals are usually divided into minerals and trace elements. Minerals are one type you need more of and trace elements something you need less of.
Minerals include:
- Calcium – a mineral that, among other things, plays a significant role in bone and tooth health.
- Magnesium – a mineral needed for, for example, energy production and muscle and nerve function.
- Sodium – a mineral that, among other things, regulates fluid balance and helps maintain blood pressure.
Trace elements include:
- Iron - which is crucial for oxygen transport in the body.
- Zinc – which plays a significant role in the immune system.
- Selenium – which acts as an antioxidant.
- Iodine – which is necessary for the production of thyroid hormone and regulates metabolism.
These, and all other minerals, are important for our body to function and be healthy. In order to get all the minerals, it is important to have a varied and balanced diet.
What are the most important minerals?
All minerals are important because they contribute to different functions in our bodies. Some minerals we need more of, while we need less of those called trace elements. But trace elements are nevertheless just as important for the body to function.
What are minerals examples?
Minerals are a number of inorganic substances that make up a small part of your body, but are necessary for it to function. Different minerals fulfill different functions, for example magnesium and calcium help control your movements because they contribute to normal muscle function.
Zinc and selenium are two of the minerals that act as antioxidants and that help protect your cells against oxidative stress. Oxidative stress is a chemical imbalance in the body that occurs when your body itself produces too much harmful oxygen, or when harmful substances are taken into the body, such as cigarette smoke.
What do minerals do in the body?
Minerals are necessary for a variety of biological processes in the body. For example, minerals support bone and tooth health, nervous system and muscle function, and your fluid and electrolyte balance.
Minerals such as iron ensure that oxygen is carried around the body and calcium is involved in blood clotting when you bleed. Zinc and selenium are two minerals that play a role in the functioning of the immune system and iodine is needed to produce thyroid hormones.
There are very small inorganic substances that play a significant role in the functioning of our bodies.
