Question

Explain the importance of the following minerals for the body?
Minerals
Sodium
Potassium
Calcium
Iron

Answer 1

Minerals- help the body to grow, develop and stay healthy
Sodium- keep the fluids in normal balance
potassium- regulates water balance, normal growth, building muscles
calcium- maintain healthy teeth and bones
Iron- important component of haemoglobin



Hope this helps you.....All the best for studying..

Answer 2

Calcium

Your body needs calcium to build strong bones and teeth. Calcium also plays a role in nerve transmissions, muscle function -- including that of the heart -- and hormone secretion. The Institute of Medicine recommends adults consume 1,000 to 1,200 milligrams of calcium per day. Good sources of calcium include dairy products like milk and yogurt and vegetables like kale, broccoli and cabbage.

Potassium

Potassium controls the electrical activity of your heart, making it vital to maintaining a normal heart rhythm. Your body also needs it to build proteins, break down and use carbohydrates, maintain the pH balance of the blood and support normal growth. Adults should consume 4,700 milligrams of potassium per day, according to the Institute of Medicine. Many foods contain potassium, including beef, fish, chicken, cantaloupe, potatoes, tomatoes and lima beans.

Sodium

Although too much sodium can increase your risk for developing high blood pressure, your body needs sodium to stimulate nerve and muscle function, maintain the correct balance of fluid in the cells and support the absorption of other nutrients including chloride, amino acids and glucose. Your body only requires 180 to 500 milligrams of sodium per day, but the Institute of Medicine sets the adequate intake, the amount expected to meet or exceed normal circulating nutrient values, at 1,500 milligrams per day. To avoid health problems, the Dietary Guidelines for Americans suggests limiting your sodium intake to no more than 2,300 milligrams per day, and those over 51 or with certain health conditions should consume no more than the listed adequate intake of 1,500 milligrams.

IRON

GOOD FOR: Building muscles naturally and maintaining healthy blood.
NATURAL SOURCE: You might be surprised to know that clams take the top spot for iron content, followed by oysters and organ meats like liver. For the vegetarians among us, soybeans, cereal, pumpkin seeds, beans, lentils and spinach are great sources of iron.