There are all sorts of minerals that the body needs to function. Most of these essential minerals cannot be made directly by the body, so it is important to eat foods that contain them regularly. When planning a diet rich in minerals, people need to consider both macrominerals and trace minerals. Macrominerals are types of minerals that the body needs large amounts of, so it is essential for people to include them in their diet. Trace minerals consist of iron, manganese, copper, iodine, zinc, cobalt, fluoride, and selenium. Every healthy diet needs both trace minerals and macrominerals. However, your body needs larger amounts of macrominerals.The following are the macrominerals you need to thrive.
Calcium
Calcium is mostly used for building strong bones and teeth. It also plays a vital role in nerve functioning and muscle contraction. You can find calcium in milk and dairy products, certain fatty fish, and leafy greens like broccoli or mustard greens.
Chloride
This macromineral helps with fluid balance, and it is also an essential ingredient in the stomach acid that helps digest all of a person’s food. It is mostly found in table salt, soy sauce, and salty processed foods.
Magnesium
Magnesium plays an important role in protein synthesis, so it is used to build muscles, bones, and nerves. It also helps boost immune system health. Nuts and seeds are an excellent source of magnesium, and you can also find it in leafy vegetables, legumes, seafood, and chocolate.
Phosphorous
Phosphorous is a part of every cell in the body, and it is essential to maintaining the body’s acid-base balance. Eggs, milk, fish, poultry, and meat are all excellent sources of phosphorus.
Potassium
Alongside sodium, potassium is essential to maintaining hydration levels throughout the body. It is also used in muscle contractions and nerve transmission. Almost all milk, meats, fruits, vegetables, legumes, and whole grains have potassium. Bananas and potatoes have particularly high levels.
Sodium
Sodium helps ensure that a person stays hydrated. Since it helps with nerve transmission and muscle contractions, it also assists with balance. Sodium is found naturally in table salt and soy sauce, and it also shows up in most processed foods.