Minerals

Minerals are inorganic nutrients. They include both metallic and non-metallic elements, which are taken by the body in the form of salts. There are 24 elements that are used in our body. They have various functions such as formation of tissues such as the bone, conduction of nerve impulses, formation of RBCs, etc. There are eight major elements required by man and the others are needed in traces. The major elements are sodium, chlorine, potassium, calcium, phosphorus, sulphur and magnesium. Some of the trace elements or microelements are fluorine, zinc, copper, iodine, iron, manganese, chromium, cobalt, etc. However, they are all important for the well-being of the human body. All the minerals are basically obtained from the plants as they absorb these minerals from the soil.