Minerals and trace elements do not produce energy. They are scattered in various quantities throughout the body.
They are indispensable for the build-up and maintenance of the body.
Iron, for instance, plays a role in the formation of blood and calcium plays a role in the construction of the skeleton. A short review of a number of minerals and trace elements:
Calcium. Required for growth and maintenance of bones and teeth. Found in milk, cottage cheese and cheese.
Phosphorus. Used for the transportation of substances in the blood, for skeleton construction and involved in metabolism. Found in milk, cheese, meat, fish and eggs.
Iron. Forms parts of red blood cells. Found in meat, green vegetables, legumes and wholegrain products.
Sodium. Plays a role in maintaining fluid balance. Found in nearly all foodstuffs.
Potassium. Plays a role in maintaining fluid balance and in relaying nerve-impulses via the nervous system (when contracting muscles). Found in milk, meat, fish, fruit, potatoes, nuts, coffee and chocolate.
Fluorine. Dentine and enamel hardener. Found in drinking water, tea, sea-fish, vegetables and fruit.
Iodine. Important for producing thyroid hormone and other hormones needed for muscle-growth. Found in mussels, shrimps, drinking water, dairy products and table salt.
It is recommended you take a good multivitamin supplement to ensure you meet your daily requirements.