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ESSENTIAL MINERALS REQUIRED FOR THE HUMAN BODY

Minerals in Biology


The human body requires a variety of minerals for proper functioning. Minerals requirement for the human body is so important that without these minerals, the human body will not be able to function properly. 

Here are some important minerals and their roles in the body:

1. Calcium

Calcium is essential for strong bones and teeth, muscle contraction, nerve function, and blood clotting.

Sources: Dairy products (milk, cheese, yoghurt), leafy green vegetables (spinach, kale), fortified plant-based milk, tofu, and almonds.

2. Magnesium

Magnesium is involved in hundreds of enzymatic reactions in the body, including energy production, muscle and nerve function, and maintenance of heart health.

Sources: Whole grains, nuts (almonds, cashews), seeds (pumpkin, sunflower), legumes, leafy green vegetables, dark chocolate. 

3. Iron

Iron is necessary for the production of haemoglobin, which carries oxygen in the blood. It is also essential for energy production and immune function.

Sources: Red meat, poultry, seafood, beans, lentils, fortified cereals, spinach, tofu, pumpkin seeds.

4. Zinc

Zinc is involved in numerous enzymatic reactions and plays a crucial role in immune function, wound healing, DNA synthesis, and growth and development.

Sources: Red meat, poultry, shellfish, legumes, nuts, seeds, dairy products, and whole grains.

5. Potassium

Potassium is an electrolyte that helps regulate fluid balance, nerve function, and muscle contractions, including the heart muscle.

Sources: Bananas, oranges, avocados, tomatoes, potatoes, spinach, beans, yoghurt, salmon.

6. Sodium

Sodium is another electrolyte vital in fluid balance, nerve function, and muscle contractions.

Sources: Table salt, processed foods, canned soups, bread, cheese, pickles, olives.

7. Phosphorus

Phosphorus is necessary for bone and teeth formation, energy production, and DNA synthesis.

8. Iodine

Iodine is essential for the production of thyroid hormones, which regulate metabolism and support growth and development.

Sources: Seafood, seaweed, iodized salt, dairy products, eggs.

9. Selenium

Selenium acts as an antioxidant, helps regulate thyroid function, and plays a role in immune function.

Sources: Brazil nuts, seafood, poultry, eggs, whole grains.

10. Copper

Copper is involved in producing red blood cells, connective tissue formation, and iron metabolism.

Sources: Shellfish, organ meats (liver, kidney), nuts, seeds, legumes, whole grains.

11. Manganese

Manganese is necessary for the metabolism of carbohydrates, cholesterol, and amino acids. It also plays a role in bone formation and antioxidant function.

Sources: Whole grains, nuts, seeds, legumes, leafy green vegetables, tea.

12. Chromium

Chromium is involved in carbohydrate and lipid metabolism and helps regulate blood sugar levels.

Sources: Green beans, meat, nuts, and whole grains.

13. Molybdenum 

Molybdenum is necessary for the metabolism of certain amino acids and the conversion of purines to uric acid.

Sources: Nuts, whole grains, dark leafy vegetables, seeds, and liver.

14. Fluoride 

Fluoride helps in the formation of tooth enamel and prevents dental cavities.

Sources: Water, Tea, & Seafood.


Also Read the Following Suggested Topics for Further Reading

1. Laws of Inheritance in Biology Solved MCQs

2. Nutrition in Plants Solved MCQs

3. Bioenergetics in Plants Solved MCQs

4. Respiration in Plants and Animals Solved MCQs

5. Reproduction in Plants and Animals Solved MCQs

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