A Guide to Know More about Minerals
Minerals are unknown to a lot of people. But have you ever imagined how the earth would look like if there were no minerals? Or, here is a better question, would the earth form had there been no minerals at all?
Even though many of us do not know many things about minerals, they have several health benefits. For example, minerals help to keep the bones and heart strong. Therefore, they work correctly. They also help the enzymes and hormones to function as they should.
However, if you do not know what minerals or essential mineral supplements do to your body, then do not worry! We have got you covered. This article provides a guide on every information you need about minerals.
What Are Minerals?
Minerals are naturally formed solid and inorganic substances with a crystalline structure and chemical composition. They are mainly made of a single element or compound. The earth’s crust is composed of minerals. Minerals are the very substances that help to strengthen the bones and heart.
Mineral supplements are of two types:
Microminerals: microminerals are those that your body needs in large amounts, for example, sulfur, potassium, sodium, chloride, magnesium, calcium, phosphorus, etc.
Trace Minerals: Trace minerals are those that your body needs in fewer amounts. For example, fluoride, zinc, iodine, cobalt, iodine, copper, etc. You can find a lot of trace mineral supplements in various foods.
Some Examples of Minerals
- One of the most common examples of minerals is table salt, also famous as sodium chloride. It comes in the shape of small cubes.
- Limestone is also composed of calcium (an example of a single mineral).
- Quartz or Silicon dioxide is also an example of a mineral. It comes in the shape of a hexagonal shape.
Classification of Minerals
Before discussing various multi minerals supplements, let’s discuss their classification.
- Silicates
When metals get mixed up with oxygen and silicon, they form silicates, the most significant type of mineral. Silicates are more responsible for making the earth’s crust than other minerals.
- Native
Only the purest forms of minerals are part of the native elements. Only copper, having a naturally pure form, comes into this category.
- Sulphides
Sulphides are also one of the compounds typically formed of sulphur-containing metal. The sulphides are usually fragile and heavy.
- Carbonates
Carbonates are minerals containing metallic elements, carbon and oxygen. Carbonates also contain calcium carbonate or calcite.
- Halogen
Halogen is very soft and dissolves in water easily. Chlorine, iodine, fluorine, and bromine are some of the elements of halogen.
How Do Minerals Get Formed?
There are four types of mineral formation processes.
1. Sedimentary
Sedimentary is a process where minerals are formed due to sedimentation. In this process, the raw materials are parts of eroded rocks.
2. Hydrothermal
Hydrothermal is a process in which minerals form due to the raw materials and particles from other eroded rocks.
3. Metamorphic
In this process, new minerals get formed from the old minerals due to temperature changes and strain.
4. Igneous
This is a process in which minerals get crystalized.
The Table of Minerals
| Minerals | Elements | Chemical Formula |
| Halite | Chlorine and sodium | NaCl |
| Hematite | Iron and oxygen | Fe2O3 |
| Quartz | Silicon and oxygen | SiO2 |
| Diamond | Carbon | C |
Benefits of Minerals
Minerals, as discussed above, are one of the most important things that form the earth’s upper crust. Though not much is known about minerals, they have plenty of benefits for the human body. Here are some benefits of minerals you need to know:
Phosphorus
Phosphorus, like calcium, is one of the most abundant minerals. However, did you know that phosphorus makes up one per cent of the total human body weight? This mineral exists in every cell; its main focus is on teeth and bones.
Phosphorus usually strengthens muscle contraction, bones and teeth. It also assists in the proper functioning of the kidney and nerve signalling.
Children between nine to eighteen years must take 1250 mg of phosphorus per day, whereas if you are over eighteen, you need to take a 700 mg phosphorus supplement daily.
Meat, milk, fish, eggs, and tortillas are the most common phosphorus minerals supplements.
Manganese
Manganese, a mineral that is not so popular among people, helps the human body in more than one way. It processes protein, carbohydrates, cholesterol, etc. As a result, manganese can help people overcome weak bones and anaemia. It also helps to improve premenstrual syndrome. This mineral is also helpful in maintaining the connective tissue in the skin.
You can find manganese in prevalent and everyday foods like spinach, rice, garbanzo beans, kale, etc. However, you need to consume the right amount of manganese supplement to get all its benefits.
According to the National Institute of Health, adults should consume at most eleven mg of manganese daily.
Iodine
Iodine is a mineral that acts like food in the human body. It converts the food into energy, thus giving your body the power to work. It can help prevent various health problems like heart disease, breast cancer, stroke, diabetes, various eye diseases, etc. Iodine also treats inflammation and various skin disorders like eczema.
Various iodine supplements include shrimp, kelp, fish, seaweed, etc. One of the iodine liquid minerals supplements is milk. Also, milk-related products have iodine.
Pregnant women should take around two twenty mg per day, while children under nine can take 90 mcg daily.
Calcium
Calcium is one of the essential minerals of the human body. Around ninety-nine per cent of calcium covers the bones and teeth. In addition, it significantly contributes to moving blood vessels throughout the body.
Some calcium-rich foods are yoghurt, green vegetables, cheese, milk, etc. In addition, you should take some particular calcium supplement in the evening every day.
Conclusion
Minerals are not just naturally formed substances that the earth’s crust is made of. Its existence makes a considerable difference in the human body. Though minerals are abundant, they significantly affect your bones, teeth, nerve system, heart, etc.
If you do not know a lot of minerals and feel the need to know about minerals, you can find a lot of information about them. So, read this article and expand your knowledge.
