You mineral salts are inorganic substances essential for the proper functioning of our body. They are present as electrolytes in body fluids, as components of enzymes and hormones, and as structural components in some organs, such as bones and dentin in teeth.
Mineral salts are elements that originate from the soil, so living beings cannot produce them. In order to get the salts necessary for our survival, a proper and balanced nutrition is essential. According to the daily need for each mineral salt, we can classify them into:
- Macrominerals: Those whose daily requirements exceed 100 mg. In this group are found calcium, phosphorus, sodium, potassium, chlorine, magnesium and sulfur.
- Microminerals: Those whose daily requirement is less than 100 mg. In this group, we can highlight iron, copper, zinc, manganese, iodine, selenium and fluorine.
Below, we will mention the main mineral salts, their function in the human body and some foods in which they can be found:
→ Calcium: This salt participates in the formation of bones and teeth. Furthermore, they participate in blood clotting and regulate a large number of cellular functions, including the process of muscle contraction. Calcium can be found in milk and dairy products, egg yolks, cereals and green vegetables.
→ Phosphor: Along with calcium, phosphorus participates in the composition of bones and teeth. This salt is also related to energy production and is one of the components of nucleic acids. It can be found in milk and dairy products, cereals, meats, eggs and breads.
→ Potassium: This salt is related to muscle contraction and nerve activities, as it works by promoting electrical excitability. In addition, it is an important regulator of heart rate. It is found in fruits, cereals, milk and meat.
→ Sodium: It is primarily concerned with regulating the volume of body fluids. It is also important in conducting nerve impulses, as is potassium, and is related to blood pressure and muscle contractions. It is found in table salt, some vegetables, cheese and many other types of food.
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→ Magnesium: Fundamental for the proper functioning of nerves and muscles. Furthermore, it is related to calcium metabolism and vitamin D synthesis. This mineral salt is found in dark green leafy vegetables, cereals, citrus fruits and pulses.
→ Iron: As the main component of hemoglobin, this mineral salt is related to the transport of oxygen in our body. Found in foods such as liver, kidney, heart, egg yolk, green vegetables, beets, beans, cereals.
→ Fluorine: Acts in the composition of teeth and bones. Furthermore, it is related to the prevention of tooth decay. Mainly found in fluorinated water.
→ Iodine: It is a fundamental salt for the proper functioning of the thyroid, therefore, it is related to metabolism. Found in seafood and iodized table salt.
As they are related to several functions of our body, a diet low in some type of salt can cause serious damage to health. A good example is iron deficiency, which can trigger anemia, a serious illness that can lead to death if not treated properly. It is important to emphasize that the excessive consumption of certain mineral salt can also cause diseases, such as kidney stones.
As stated earlier, healthy eating is essential for your body to maintain adequate amounts of mineral salts. It is worth noting that many processed foods can contain a high amount of a certain salt, which can also cause health problems. Good nutrition can be the key to avoiding different types of illnesses!
By Ma. Vanessa dos Santos
