Just like you need vitamins, your body also requires minerals. This article will focus on the importance of minerals and their natural sources. Minerals are essential constitutes of cells and they form greater part of bones, teeth and nails, and maintenance of acid base equilibrium. They are necessary for secretion of gland. They regulate water balance in the body. They are calcium, sodium, chlorine, phosphorus, sulphur, potassium, magnesium, copper, manganese, zinc and cobalt.

Calcium is necessary for both bones and teeth. It is also necessary for the working of enzymes. It helps contraction of muscles. It prevents swelling and bleeding. Its deficiency causes brittleness of bones. The circulation of blood is slowed down. Calcium is found in drumstick, fenugreek, leafy vegetables, millet, dried fruits, sesame seeds, water melon, milk and grapes.

Phosphorus is most important mineral to the body. The teeth and bones contain 75% of total phosphorus in the body. Phosphorus is necessary for growth of body. It activates the digestive juices, essential for functioning of the brain and nerves and aids in the metabolism of sugar. It is found in milk, dried fruits, yeast dates, carrot, guava and soya bean.

Potassium is necessary for cells and muscles and it regulates the elasticity of muscles. It is found in pumpkin, tomatoes, radish, garlic, potatoes, apple, spinach, guava and milk. Sodium promotes hydrochloric acid in the stomach. It prevents excess calcium deposition in the muscles. Major sources of sodium are carrot, French beans and beets. Its deficiency leads to stone in kidney.

Majority of iron is present in hemoglobin which transmits oxygen from the lungs to the entire body. It is found in fenugreek, leafy vegetables, mango, sesame, dates and green gram. Its deficiency produces anemia.

Sulphur is a blood purifying and stimulates liver and brightens the skin. Its major sources are garlic, radish, onion and beet. Manganese is present in pancreas, hair and liver. It induces immunity against diseases. It is found in guava, cabbage, beet and garlic.

Magnesium is essential for bones and teeth. It is necessary for proper functioning of muscles. Its major sources are radish, guava, potatoes and spinach. Iodine is one of secretion of thyroid gland which helps in metabolism. Its deficiency produces myxoedema, obesity, constipation, drowsiness and cardiac diseases. Now-a-days the salt is enriched with iodine. It is found in cabbage beet, carrot, tomatoes, banana and French beans.

Fluorine is necessary for bones and teeth. Copper is necessary for absorption of iron. Zinc is essential for prostate gland. Cobalt is necessary for the formation of hemoglobin. All these minerals are present in vegetables, as carrot, beet, potatoes and guava.

So, you must consume foods rich in vitamins and minerals that help in the proper growth and development of your body.

Disclaimer: This article is not meant to provide health advice and is for general information only. Always seek the insights of a qualified health professional before embarking on any health program.

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