The Basic NutrientThe Basic Nutrient

Minerals

Minerals areMinerals are Inorganic elements that come from the soil and water

and are absorbed by plants or eaten by animals. Found in nearly every all foods in the pyramid Sometimes needed in large amounts and sometimes

needed in tiny amounts Needed to be eaten or ingested in food every day Cannot be produced by our bodies Regulate chemistry and body functions

How many?How many? 60 different mineral Makes up 4% of body

Macro and TraceMacro and Trace Needed and found in

large amounts Calcium Phosphorus Sodium Potassium

Found in very small amounts in the body

Iron Zinc Fluorine/Fluoride Copper Iodine

Some macrominerals are called electrolytes.Some macrominerals are called electrolytes.

Sodium Chloride Potassium

CalciumCalcium Strong Bones and Teeth Blood serum clotting

muscles and nerves Source: Milk dairy

products, also dark green vegetables

Prevents Osteoporosis

PhosphorousPhosphorous Strong bones and teeth Increase energy Found in avocados,

raisins, whole grains meat eggs milk, soy

Most diets sufficient Works with calcium Prevents Osteoporosis

SodiumSodium Maintains balance of

water flow in and out of cells

Found in table salt, cured meats, sausage, bacon

Too much contributes to high blood pressure

Regulates heartbeat Regulates Fluids in muscles

and nerves Found in many fruits like

oranges, peaches pears, bananas, dates apples, raisins avocados

Prevents irregularity of heart action lowers blood pressure

PotassiumPotassium

IronIron Lets blood carry oxygen

to cells Produces hemoglobin Prevents iron deficiency

anemia Found in dates, dried

fruits, eggs, legumes, whole grains, leafy vegetables, red meats

ZincZinc Part of the enzyme involved

in acid-base balance, liver function digestion and bone maintenance.

Prevents loss of taste, growth failure, delayed healing of wounds, reproduction problem

Found in Avocados raisins dairy, whole grains

Too much causes fever and nausea

FluorineFluorine Teeth and bones, works

with calcium Produces tooth structure

that resists acids and prevents tooth decay

From Fluoridated water, fish eggs, milk, some toothpastes, dentist

Prevents tooth decay

CopperCopper Used in breathing,

energy release, production of red blood cells.

Found in meat egg yolks, green vegetables grains, shell fish organ meats.

Too much can damage liver kidney brain

IodineIodine Important component of

thyroid hormones for metabolism

Found in Salt water fish, iodized table salt

Prevents Goiter