Science - Minerals and Food

Mineral:	Found in:	Function in Body:
Calcium	Dairy Products, Leafy Vegetables	Bone and teeth formation Coagulation of blood Muscle contraction
Phosphorus	Milk, Cheese, Nuts, Cereals, Legumes	Bone and tooth structure Used in all of the bodies energy-releasing reactions
Magnesium	Nuts, Legumes, Whole Grains, Dark Leafy Greens, Milk	Bone and tooth structure Nerve conduction Muscle relaxation Bowel function
Iron	Legumes, Whole Grains, Potatoes, Egg Yolk, Cocoa, Green Vegetables, Dried Fruit	Oxygen Transport
Iodine	Sea Vegetables	Regulates energy metabolism Is part of thyroid hormone Involved in cellular oxidation and growth
Zinc	Eggs, Nuts, Cereals, Wheat Germ	Sexual Maturation Wound healing Ability to taste, Protein synthesis, Immunity
Copper	Nuts, Legumes, Whole Grains, Water	Part of many enzymes for protein fibers and skin pigments
Manganese	Nuts, Whole Grains, Legumes, Tea, Fruits, Non-Leafy Vegetables	Glucose utilization, Enzyme activator
Fluoride	Fluoridated Water, some kinds of Black Tea	In teeth and bones
Chromium	Brewer's Yeast, Whole Grains	Helps maintain normal glucose tolerance
Selenium	Protein-rich Plant Foods	Cellular antioxidant Constituent of red blood cell enzymes Decreases toxicity of heavy metals.
Molybdenum	Whole Grains, Legumes	Constituent of enzymes
Potassium	Most Fruits, Starchy Vegetables,, Dark Leafy Green Vegetables	Main electrolyte inside all body cells
Sodium	Salt	Main electrolyte outside all body cells

Science - Minerals and Food - Nutrition Chart