Role of Minerals in Health and Diseases

Minerals are required to construct and function all living cells on earth. Minerals are the elements of chemicals naturally existing on the planet. Erosion degrades stones, pebbles, and sand to form soil, the foundation for plant development. Subsequently, the minerals are passed and transferred into the plants, further transferred into the herbivorous animals that consume the plants. To gain essential mineral nutrients, humans consume plants and herbivorous animals.

Importance of Minerals

Minerals aid in the appropriate composition of biological fluids like blood and teeth, bone, tissues, muscles, and neurons. They also sustain good neuron function, muscular control tone, and maintain healthy cardiovascular health. Minerals, like vitamins, act as coenzymes and help the human body conduct biochemical tasks such as energy production growth and healing with correct vitamin and mineral consumption. 

The human body requires a harmonious chemical balance, determined by the amounts of various minerals in the body and the ratios of particular mineral levels to each other. If a particular mineral level is out of equilibrium, it may affect all other mineral levels. If this imbalance remains unchecked, it can set off a chain reaction of abnormalities leading to sickness or illness.

Minerals are classified nutritionally into two particular groups: trace minerals, macro minerals and micro minerals. Magnesium, potassium, phosphorus, calcium, and sodium are examples of macro minerals. These are all the minerals that the body needs in substantial quantities. Micro minerals are minerals only required in trace amounts in the body. Examples include zinc, copper, iodine, molybdenum, selenium, chromium, manganese, silicon, boron, iron, and vanadium. Even though needed in small amounts, they are necessary for optimal health.

Minerals, unlike vitamins, have a relatively stable composition and are not destroyed by cooking, heat or light. Whether baked or boiled, they retain their nutritional content during cooking. As a result, minerals may be included in various recipes to prevent and avoid nutritional deficiencies. This is especially essential for those on special diets that do not get enough minerals from their food. Individuals who follow a dairy-free diet, for example, might not consume adequate calcium. They can include calcium in multiple types of food preparation, including casseroles, cookies, liquids and bread, liquids, and semi-solid foods.

Types of Minerals

Mineral salts attached to a molecule such as sulphate, citrate, oxide, carbonate and picolinate with the help of a negatively charged group of chemicals are the source of minerals used as dietary supplements.  

The following are some essential edible minerals.

• Sodium.

• Magnesium.

• Potassium.

• Phosphorus.

• Calcium.

• Sulphur.

• Fluoride.

• Chloride.

• Manganese.

• Iron.

• Zinc.

• Copper.

• Selenium.

• Chromium and cobalt (part of the vitamin B12/cobalamin).

Conclusion

Our body uses minerals for the healthy maintenance of various body functions. Minerals are necessary for the production of enzymes and hormones.  

The majority of people consume minerals by eating a variety of meals. In rare circumstances, doctors may advise mineral supplements. People with particular health issues or those under specific medication may require more of one of the elements. People with chronic renal illness, for example, should restrict potassium-rich diets.