Question

What role do minerals play in the body? 

Answer 1

Following are the roles played by the minerals in the body:

1. Calcium: Blood clotting, Bone and teeth formation, constriction and relaxation of blood vessels, hormone secretion, muscle contraction, nervous system function.
2. Chloride: Maintains acid-base balance, conversion of food into energy, digestion, fluid balance, nervous system function.
3. Chromium: Regulates insulin function, protein, carbohydrate and fat metabolism.
4. Fluoride (Fluorine): Ensures strong bone formation. Keeps dental cavities from starting or worsening.
5. Copper: Acts as an antioxidant helps in the formation of bones, collagen and Connective tissues, Regulates energy production, iron metabolism, and nervous systemfunction.
6. Iodine: Important for growth and development, metabolism, reproduction, thyroid hormone production.
7. Iron: Essential for young children, pregnant women, energy production, growth and development, Immune function, red blood cell formation, reproduction, wound healing.
8. Magnesium: Helps in the working of muscles, aids in metabolism and bone growth.
9. Manganese: Helps in bone growth and cell production. Helps in the metabolization of amino acids, cholesterol and carbohydrates. 
10. Phosphorus: Required with calcium for building strong bones and teeth. Needed for metabolism, biochemistry, nerve and muscle function.
11. Potassium: Balances fluids in the body. Helps maintain a steady heartbeat and send nerve impulses. Needed for muscle contractions. Lowers blood pressure. Benefits bones.