There are two types of minerals-major and minor,depending on the required daily intake.Anything needed in quantities above 100 mg is a major mineral.Major minerals are calcium,phosphorus,potassium,sodium,chlorine,magnesium and sulphur.Minor minerals are boron,chromium,cobalt,fluorine,iodine,manganese,selenium,silicon,vanadium and zinc.Let’s start with the first major one-calcium.It helps in…
1) Development of healthy bones and teeth
2) Proper functioning of the heart
3) Proper foetal growth and normal health of the mother during pregnancy
4) Controlling conduction mechanism in nerve tissues
5) Proper utilisation of vitamins A,C and D
Sources:
Milk,milk products,turnip greens,fenugreek,radish,fish,cauliflower,broccoli etc.
Ideal daily intake:
Infants: 500 mg,Children:600 mg,Men/Women:400 mg,Pregnant/lactating women:1,000 mg
Deficiency of calcium:
a) Causes changes in bones and muscles
b) Leads to pale appearance,fatigue,mental disorders
c) Causes head sweats,even in cold weather
d) Retards growth,appetite;causes indigestion in kids
e) Results in late puberty,irregular periods,anaemia and low immunity in girls
f) Causes difficult labour and lack of breast milk in pregnant women.