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Calcium
Calcium is the most abundant mineral
in the body as 99% is found in the bones.
The body needs calcium to form bones. It is also required
for blood clotting,
transmission of signals in the nerve cells and muscle
contraction. The presence of
calcium prevents lead from being absorbed into the bones
and teeth of the body.
Primary Source : milk,
cheese, yogurt, sardines (with bones),
leafy green vegetables and almonds.
Iron
Iron is an important component in the red blood cells
in our body. The iron
molecule in the cells binds oxygen as it travels through
blood vessels in the lungs
and releases it in the tissue. They then bind carbon
dioxide and carries it back to the
lungs to be released. Hence, iron plays an important
role in the transport and
storage of oxygen.
Primary Source : liver,
egg, fish, red meat and molasses.
Phosphorus
Phosphorus is second only to calcium as the most abundant
mineral in the body.
Phosphorus, when combined with calcium, is the major
component of the structural
part of bones and teeth in our body. It is required
for the conversion of carbohydrates,
fat and protein into energy. It aids the absorption
of dietary constituents that in turn
helps in body growth and repair. It is also an essential
mineral for the proper
functioning of nerve, heart and muscles.
Primary Source : milk,
meat, poultry, fish, eggs,
whole grains, seeds and nuts.
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