Minerals
What the body needs
Basic Information
Types of minerals
Calcium: Builds bones/teeth, muscles & nerves work, regulate use of other minerals.
Ex: Fish with bones, leafy green vegetables, milk, cheese, other dairy products.
Phosphorus: Helps build strong bones/teeth, regulate internal body activities.
Ex: Protein/Calcium food sources.
Magnesium: Helps use energy nutrients, regulate body temperature, muscles & nerves work, improves acid-alkali balance in the body.
Ex: Beans, dark green leafy vegetables, meat, nuts, whole grains
Sodium & Chloride: Helps control osmosis, maintain acid-alkali balance, helps nervous system & muscles work.
Ex: Processed foods, cured meats, canned foods, frozen entrees, snake items, soy sause, catsup, table salt.
Potassium: Helps control osmosis, nervous system, muscles work, cells absorb nutrients with sodium/chlorine.
Ex: Bananas, citrus fruits, dark green leafy vegetables, meat, milk.
Iron: Helps make hemoglobin, cells use oxygen
Ex: Dried beans/peas, fruits, egg yolk, enriched whole grains, leafy green vegetables, lean meats/liver
Zinc: Helps wounds heal and aids the functioning of the immune system. Promotes normal growth and development in children.
Ex: Meat, poultry, seafood, legumes and whole grains.
Iodine: Promotes normal functioning of the thyroid gland
Ex: Iodized table salt, saltwater fish and shellfish
Fluorine: Helps teeth resist decay and helps maintain bone health.
Ex: Fluoridated drinking water and toothpaste.