Minerals Definition
Minerals are elements or components which are present in food and are required by the body for developing and functioning properly. The Minerals that the body requires are known as essential Minerals and they can be broadly classified into two categories. They are micro and macro or trace Minerals. The amount of the Minerals that are needed for the body does not necessarily indicate its significance. There is a list of 20 chemicals or Minerals which are needed for the different human biochemical processes. Amongst these Minerals, hydrogen, carbon, and oxygen form the major options as they make up 96% of human body weight.
The Categories of Minerals
The different types of Minerals can be broadly classified into two types known as micro Minerals and macro Minerals.
Micro Minerals: Micro Minerals are also known as trace Minerals and are needed in small amounts. The list of the trace elements includes iron, iodine, copper, manganese, fluoride, zinc, cobalt, and selenium. If the micro Minerals are taken in excessive amounts, they can cause mineral toxicity that can lead to numerous health issues like nausea, diarrhea, discoloration, etc.
Macro Minerals: The macro Minerals are needed by the body in large quantities. Examples of macro Minerals include calcium, chloride, sodium, potassium, magnesium, phosphorus, and sulfur. These Minerals are essential for the metabolism and proper functioning of the human body. We don’t produce these components and hence need to obtain them from different sources like food and supplements. The deficiency of macro Minerals in the body has an adverse impact on human physiology.
Importance of the Minerals in our Food
Dieticians and experts always suggest following a mineral-rich diet since Food containing Minerals tend to be the best source for supplying the essential minerals to our body. For instance, Orange has abundant calcium which is good for our bones and iodized salt contains iodine that is massively significant for iodine production. The focus on proper mineral intake comes from the fact that the wide range of biochemical reactions within metabolism needs elemental components. The right intake of some specific Minerals has been found to be needed for maintaining optimal health.
The Function and Sources of Minerals
We will take a brief look at some of the Minerals - their sources and function in Food.
Sodium: are the source of this mineral. Sodium is needed for
FAQs on Minerals in Food
1. What are the Side effects of Eating Minerals Excessively?
Consuming too much of one thing always has a negative effect on the human body. Taking excess minerals in everyday diet may lead to certain illnesses in the body.
Excess of calcium in our diet can cause constipation and kidney problems.
Too much zinc in our diet may cause diarrhea, kidney malfunctioning, heart problems, and vomiting.
Excessive sodium in blood cells increases the risk of stroke, other heart-related problems as well as Hypernatremia.
Excess of iron can result in liver disease, cardiovascular problems, loss of interest in sex, infertility, and impotence.
A balanced diet prevents mineral deficiencies. The use of vitamin and mineral supplements should be discouraged to prevent any adverse effects.
2. What is the Function of Minerals?
Minerals are naturally occurring chemical elements that are found in the earth. Erosion breaks down stones, particulate and sand to form soil, which is the basis for plant growth. The minerals are taken up by plants, which are then turned on to herbivores which eat the plants. Humans eat plants and herbivores to obtain the necessary mineral nutrients.
Minerals are needed for the proper composition of body fluids, including blood, and for the proper formation of tissues, muscles, nerves, bones, and teeth, muscles and nerves. They also play an important role in maintaining healthy nerve function, the regulation of muscle tone, and supporting a healthy cardiovascular system.
Their Biochemical Functions include:
Energy production
Growth
Healing
Proper utilization of vitamins and other nutrients
There are two types in minerals found in food, these are generally classified into two groups, macrominerals and trace minerals (microminerals). The macrominerals are calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, sodium and potassium; they are required in large amounts in the body.
Trace or microminerals are only required only in minute quantities in the body. These are zinc, copper, chromium, selenium, molybdenum, manganese, iodine etc.
3. Give some examples of Minerals in Food.
Examples of Minerals found in Food
Mineral Name | Examples of Food |
Calcium | Milk and milk-by products, vegetables, beans, soy milk. |
Phosphorous | Poultry, meat, eggs, fish. |
Iron | Meat, beans, eggs, baked potatoes. |
Zinc | Pork, beef, nuts, wheat germ. |
Copper | Nuts, seeds, legumes. |
4. What are the Types of Minerals in the Body?
Two types of minerals are required for complete nourishment of the body. These are
Macrominerals: Sodium, Chloride, Calcium etc.
Microminerals: Iodine, manganese, fluoride etc.
5. What are the drawbacks of excessive mineral intake?
Consumption of excessive minerals in the body can lead to specific illnesses within the body. The excess calcium in the diet can lead to kidney problems and constipation. Excessive zinc in the diet might lead to vomiting and heart problems, kidney malfunctioning, and diarrhea. The excess of sodium in the blood cells maximizes the risk of stroke and heart-related issues such as Hypernatremia. Too much iron also causes cardiovascular problems, liver disease, impotence, and infertility.
6. What is the major function of minerals in the body?
Minerals have various functions in the body. The minerals are required for the proper composition of the body fluids that include blood and proper formation of the tissues, nerves, muscles, teeth, and bones. The minerals also play a crucial role in maintaining healthy nerve function, regulating muscle tone, and providing support for a healthy cardiovascular system. The biochemical functions of the minerals include growth, energy production, healing, and proper utilization of nutrients and vitamins.
7. How are minerals produced and consumed by humans?
The minerals are chemical elements that occur naturally and can be found in different parts of the earth. The erosion breaks down the stones, sand, and particulates to form the soil which is the foundation of the plant growth. The minerals are consumed by plants which are then transferred to herbivores that eat the plants. Human beings eat herbivores and plants for obtaining essential mineral nutrients. This is the way minerals are produced and consumed by humans.
8. What are some of the examples of minerals in our food?
Some of the examples of the minerals that can be found in our food are as follows. Calcium is found in milk and milk by-products, vegetables, and beans. Phosphorus can be found in eggs, fish, meat, and poultry products. Iron is found in eggs, meat, beans, and baked potatoes. Zinc is found in beef, nuts, pork, and wheat germ. Copper is found in seeds, nuts, and legumes.
9. How can I refer to the Vedantu notes on “Minerals in food”?
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