Where are minerals in food?
While it’s a fact that minerals are found in rocks, they are also found in foods and are an important part of a healthy diet. There are 16 different types of minerals the body needs, and eating the right amount of them can ensure optimal health.Types of MineralsAccording to the University of Florida, there are two main types of minerals—macrominerals and trace minerals.MacromineralsThe body needs larger amounts of macrominerals than trace minerals. These include calcium, phosphorous, magnesium, sodium, potassium, chloride and sulfur.Trace MineralsAs the word implies, your body needs only small amounts of trace minerals, such as iron, zinc, iodine, selenium, copper, fluoride, chromium, molybdenum and manganese.FunctionsThe body needs minerals to perform many functions. According to MedlinePlus, minerals are necessary to build bones, make hormones and regulate heartbeat and other body processes. Some minerals, such as selenium, also double as antioxidants. In addition, calcium, phospho
