MINERALS
1. Can our bodies produce
minerals?
 NO! We have to get them
through eating food that contains
them!
 Most minerals become part of the
body, i.e. bones and teeth.
 Others are used to make
substances that the body needs.
2. What are major minerals?
 Minerals needed in larger
quantities in our bodies:
 Calcium
 Phosphorus
 Magnesium
 Sodium & Potassium
Calcium
 Function
 Helps bones, teeth,
blood serum, clotting,
muscles, nerves.
 Prevents
 Osteoporosis
 Toxicity
 Kidney disfunction
 Sources
 Milk
 Dates
 Broccoli
 Greens-spinach
Calcium Deficiency
 Osteoporosis
Phosphorus
 Function
 Cells
 Combines with calcium
 Releases energy
 Prevents
 Osteoporosis
 Toxicity
 Calcification of tissues
 Sources





Avocados
Raisins
Whole grains
Meat and eggs
milk
Potassium
 Function
 Regulates fluids
 Heart and other muscles
 Nerves
 Prevents
 Irregularity of heart
action
 Toxicity
 Muscular weakness
 Sources








Oranges
Peaches
Pears
Bananas
Dates
Apples
Avocados
raisins
Sodium
 Function
 Regulates fluids,
muscles, heart, nerves
 Prevents
 Too much contributes to
high blood pressure
 Toxicity
 Hypertension
 Sources
 Table salt
 Cured meats
 Packaged foods
3. What are trace minerals?
 Minerals needed in less amounts in
the body, but just as important as
macro minerals in function.
 Iron
 Iodine
 Fluoride
 Zinc
 Copper
Iron
 Function
 Blood
 Hemoglobin
 Carries oxygen to cells
 Prevents
 Iron deficiency anemia
 Sources
 Dates
 Dried fruits
 Eggs
 Legumes
 Whole grains
 Dark leafy vegetables
 Red meats
Iron Deficiency - Anemia
Iodine
 Function
 Thyroid – regulates
growth, development,
and metabolic rate
 Prevents
 Goiter
 Sources
 Salt water fish
 Iodized table salt
Iodine Deficiency
 Goiter: visible lump
in the neck
Other Trace Minerals
 Zinc helps enzymes do work, aids the
immune system, helps wounds heal and helps
children grow. Sources: avocados, dairy,
meats, whole grains and raisons.
 Copper helps form hemoglobin. Sources:
meat, egg, green veggies, nuts
 Fluoride helps prevent tooth decay and
strengthen bones. Source: toothpaste, water,
seafood and eggs.
Electrolytes
 Minerals that help maintain the fluid balance
in the body, help maintain the heartbeat, help
muscle and nerve action.
 Electrolytes easily become imbalanced in
cases of dehydration, illness and diarrhea.