Minerals And NutritionMinerals Are Essential For Good HealthMinerals are inorganic substances required by the body for a variety functions such as formation of bones and teeth, essential constituents of body fluids and tissues, components of enzyme systems, and nerve function. Like vitamins, minerals cannot be produced by the body, and eating a varied diet will ensure an adequate supply of most minerals for healthy people. Some minerals are needed in
larger amounts than others, e.g. calcium, phosphorus, magnesium,
sodium, potassium and chlorine. These are called
macrominerals. Others are required in
smaller quantities and are called trace minerals or
microminerals, e.g. iron, zinc, iodine,
fluoride, selenium and copper. Despite being required in smaller
amounts, trace minerals are no less important than other minerals. According to two time Nobel
Prize laureate, Dr. Linus
Pauling, "You can trace every sickness,
every ailment, and every disease to a mineral deficiency." Many
experts agree, that even the slightest
deficiency in certain minerals like tin, mercury, arsenic and even
aluminum could result in health problems.
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