A mineral is a naturally occurring, inorganicInorganic simply means not originating from living organisms. It’s the opposite of “organic,” which refers to things that come from plants or animals. While inorganic substances might not be directly involved in metabolism, they play essential roles in keeping your… Read More solid substance with a definite chemical composition and an orderly crystalline structure. Unlike vitaminsA vitamin is an organic molecule, which means it’s a naturally occurring compound made up mostly of carbon. Our bodies need vitamins in small amounts to function properly. They help with many important jobs, including: • Building and maintaining healthy… Read More, which are organicThe word “organic” has two main meanings related to living organisms and the natural world. Here’s a breakdown of its definition, origin, and how it applies to food and health: Etymology and Origin: • Origin: The word “organic” stems from… Read More (made by living things), minerals come from the earth and don’t contain carbonCarbon is a chemical element, one of the fundamental building blocks that make up everything around us. It’s a versatile atom that can form bonds with other elements, including itself, creating an astonishing variety of molecules. Think of carbon as… Read More as a main component (think rocks like salt.)

The Word “Mineral”: A Long History

The word “mineral” has been around for centuries! It can be traced back to the Latin word “minera,” which means “mine” (around 1500 AD). This makes sense because minerals were originally recognized for their importance in mining and extraction.

Minerals and MetabolismImagine your body as a bustling factory. In this factory, “metabolize” is the process of taking raw materials (like food) and transforming them into usable products (like energy). It’s the complex network of chemical reactions that sustains living things, ensuring… Read More:

Even though they’re tiny, minerals are mighty important for keeping our bodies running smoothly. They play a variety of roles in metabolism, including:

• Building strong bones and teeth (think calciumCalcium is a mineral, a naturally occurring substance your body needs to function properly. It’s the most abundant mineral in your body, and most of it’s stored in your bones and teeth. Think of it as the building block that… Read More and phosphorus)
• Supporting muscle function and nerve impulses (think sodiumSodium is a soft, silvery-white metal that you might not think of when it comes to your health. But don’t let its straightforward appearance mislead you! Sodium is a crucial mineral that acts like a tiny conductor in your body,… Read More, potassiumPotassium, an often underestimated mineral, is a fundamental electrolyte crucial for a myriad of bodily functions. Think of it as the unsung conductor of the body’s orchestra, orchestrating the harmonious rhythm of nerve impulses, muscle contractions, and fluid balance. While… Read More, and magnesiumMagnesium is a superhero among minerals! It’s a shiny, silvery metal found abundantly in nature, but in your body, it acts more like a tiny maestro, conducting hundreds of essential metabolic reactions. • Synonyms: Well-documented synonyms for magnesium include: • Mg… Read More)
• Helping enzymesEnzymes are special proteins that speed up chemical reactions in your body. They’re like tiny helpers that get important jobs done quickly and efficiently. Examples: • Digestive enzymes: These break down food into smaller parts your body can absorb. (Example: Amylase… Read More work properly (many minerals act as coenzymesA coenzyme is like a tiny but mighty sidekick that helps enzymes do their jobs in your body. Imagine a chef needing a special tool to perfectly chop vegetables. A coenzyme is like that special tool—it partners with an enzyme… Read More alongside vitamins)
• Maintaining healthy bloodBlood is the life force coursing through your veins and arteries, delivering vital oxygen and nutrients to every cell in your body while whisking away waste products. It’s a complex, dynamic fluid—not just a simple red liquid. Consider it a… Read More pressure and fluid balance (think sodium and potassium)

Other Names for Minerals:

While “mineral” is the most common term, here are some other well-documented synonyms:

• Inorganic nutrients (because they don’t come from living things)
• MicronutrientsMicronutrients are essential nutrients your body needs in small amounts to function properly. Think of them as the “fine-tuning” tools for your internal machinery. Unlike macronutrients, which provide us with a lot of energy, micronutrients work in smaller yet crucial… Read More (needed in small amounts, just like vitamins)
• Elemental substance (composed of just one type of atomAtoms are the tiny building blocks that make up everything in the universe. They are the smallest unit of matter that still retains the properties of a specific chemical element. Think of it like this: • Everything is made of… Read More)

Remember:

There are many essential mineralsEssential minerals are like the building blocks and spark plugs in your body’s metabolic engine. They’re inorganic nutrients, meaning they don’t come from living things, that your body needs in small amounts to function properly. Think of them as the… Read More, each with a specific function. We get them from the food we eat, especially fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and dairy products. In some cases, supplements might be necessary. If you have any concerns about your mineral intake, talk to your doctor or a registered dietitian.