are inorganic elements that are present in body fluids and tissues. They are
supplied to the body through diet, for example sodium from table salt and
sulfur from proteins. They are required for a variety of biochemical and
physiological functions such as enzyme action, nerve impulse transmission and
muscle contraction. Each mineral is required in a specific amount ranging from
micrograms to grams per day.
constitute about eight percent of total body mass of a human being. Unlike
carbohydrates, fats and proteins, minerals donot furnish energy but they
influence the rate of biochemical reactions through enzymes. Unlike vitamins,
minerals are not destroyed during cooking process. However, some loss may occur
due to their solubility in water.