Mineral and Water Functions
Mineral and Water Function
Amber Means
SCI/241
July 7th, 2013
Tina Sills
Mineral and Water Function
Minerals and water are essential to health and bodily functions. Minerals are essential to body structure and to muscle functions, fluid balance and nerve functioning. Water is involved in every function of the body. It transports nutrients and waste products and is necessary for digestive, absorption, circulatory and excretory functions. Water also maintains proper body temperature and prevents dehydration.
There are over twenty minerals needed in dietary intake to maintain health. Minerals are broken down into two categories; macrominerals and microminerals. Macrominerals are considered major minerals and include sodium, potassium, chloride, calcium, phosphorus and sulfur. Microminerals or trace elements are needed in smaller quantities and include iron, copper, zinc, selenium and iodine amongst others. Although trace elements are needed in smaller amounts, they are just as essential to health as major minerals.
Minerals are essential to various functions in the body. Sodium, potassium and chloride are all necessary for fluid balance. Magnesium, sodium, calcium and potassium are critical for proper nerve transmission and functioning. Magnesium and phosphorus are both required for healthy bones and teeth and sulfur is needed for healthy protein molecules. Although calcium is most commonly related to healthy bones and teeth, it is also important to blood clotting, blood pressure and regulation and immune system regulation. Minerals interact with each other, along with vitamins and other nutrients to maintain body functions and health.
Sources of minerals are plentiful; they can be found in both food and plant sources. Table salt, soy sauce and large amounts of processed foods all contain sodium and chloride. Milk, meats, breads and vegetables are also good sources for both of these minerals as well as potassium, calcium, phosphorus and sulfur. Nuts,
Amber Means
SCI/241
July 7th, 2013
Tina Sills
Mineral and Water Function
Minerals and water are essential to health and bodily functions. Minerals are essential to body structure and to muscle functions, fluid balance and nerve functioning. Water is involved in every function of the body. It transports nutrients and waste products and is necessary for digestive, absorption, circulatory and excretory functions. Water also maintains proper body temperature and prevents dehydration.
There are over twenty minerals needed in dietary intake to maintain health. Minerals are broken down into two categories; macrominerals and microminerals. Macrominerals are considered major minerals and include sodium, potassium, chloride, calcium, phosphorus and sulfur. Microminerals or trace elements are needed in smaller quantities and include iron, copper, zinc, selenium and iodine amongst others. Although trace elements are needed in smaller amounts, they are just as essential to health as major minerals.
Minerals are essential to various functions in the body. Sodium, potassium and chloride are all necessary for fluid balance. Magnesium, sodium, calcium and potassium are critical for proper nerve transmission and functioning. Magnesium and phosphorus are both required for healthy bones and teeth and sulfur is needed for healthy protein molecules. Although calcium is most commonly related to healthy bones and teeth, it is also important to blood clotting, blood pressure and regulation and immune system regulation. Minerals interact with each other, along with vitamins and other nutrients to maintain body functions and health.
Sources of minerals are plentiful; they can be found in both food and plant sources. Table salt, soy sauce and large amounts of processed foods all contain sodium and chloride. Milk, meats, breads and vegetables are also good sources for both of these minerals as well as potassium, calcium, phosphorus and sulfur. Nuts,
References: University of Phoenix. (2006). Nutrition: Everyday choices. Retrieved from University of Phoenix, SCI/241 website.