Minerals such as calcium and iron, are nutrients that help your body grow and work. You need minerals only in very small amounts. Minerals help keep bones and teeth strong, release energy from food, and keep cell functioning normally. The table below lists some important minerals and their sources.
SOME MINERALS IN A HEALTHFUL DIET
| Minerals | Sources | Role in the body |
|---|
| Calcium | Milk and milk products, broccoli, tofu, leafy green vegetables | Builds strong bones and teeth, helps muscles work and blood clot |
| Fluoride | Water containing fluoride, fish, gelatin | Keeps teeth and bones strong |
| Iodine | Seafood, iodized salt | Helps cells function normally, keeps skin hair, and nails healthy |
| Iron | Meats, enriched and whole-grain breads and cereals, leafy green vegetables, nuts, dried beans and peas | Keeps oxygen moving throughout the body, helps cells use energy, protects against infection |
| Phosphorus | Meats, poultry, dried peas and beans, milk and milk products | Builds strong bones and teeth helps all cells function |
