Minerals and Water

A large number of minerals are present in the body. Some of these form part of body structural components and some others act as catalytic agents in many body reactions.

Classification of Minerals

Minerals are classified according to their daily requirement:

•      Macrominerals (quantities of 100 mg or greater), The major macrominerals required by the body are calcium, phosphorus, and magnesium;

•      Microminerals (trace elements, quantities less than 100 mg). Microminerals such as copper, fluoride, iodine, iron, selenium, and zinc play an essential role in metabolism.

Water

Water is a universal solvent and is a part of every cell and tissue in the body. Our body contains 50 to 70 % of water. Water content depends on how old you are and how much muscle and fat you have. Muscle tissue has more H2O than fat tissue.

Use of Water

It dissolves with other substance and carries the nutrients and other materials around the body, making it possible for every organs to do its job. It helps in easy digestion of food. It carries waste products out of our body. It provides a medium in which biochemical reactions occur. It sends electrical messages between the cells. It regulates body temperature. It also lubricates your moving parts.

Sources of water are plain water, fruits and vegetables, cheese, milk products and cereals.