2. 1. Can our bodies produce minerals?  NO! We have to get them through eating food that contains them!  Most minerals become part of the body, i.e. bones and teeth.  Others are used to make substances that the body needs.

3. 2. What are major minerals?  Minerals needed in larger quantities in our bodies:  Calcium  Phosphorus  Magnesium  Sodium & Potassium

4. Calcium  Function  Helps bones, teeth, blood serum, clotting, muscles, nerves.  Prevents  Osteoporosis  Toxicity  Kidney disfunction  Sources  Milk  Dates  Broccoli  Greens-spinach

5. Calcium Deficiency  Osteoporosis

6. Phosphorus  Function  Cells  Combines with calcium  Releases energy  Prevents  Osteoporosis  Toxicity  Calcification of tissues  Sources  Avocados  Raisins  Whole grains  Meat and eggs  milk

7. Potassium  Function  Regulates fluids  Heart and other muscles  Nerves  Prevents  Irregularity of heart action  Toxicity  Muscular weakness  Sources  Oranges  Peaches  Pears  Bananas  Dates  Apples  Avocados  raisins

8. Sodium  Function  Regulates fluids, muscles, heart, nerves  Prevents  Too much contributes to high blood pressure  Toxicity  Hypertension  Sources  Table salt  Cured meats  Packaged foods

9. 3. What are trace minerals?  Minerals needed in less amounts in the body, but just as important as macro minerals in function.  Iron  Iodine  Fluoride  Zinc  Copper

10. Iron  Function  Blood  Hemoglobin  Carries oxygen to cells  Prevents  Iron deficiency anemia  Sources  Dates  Dried fruits  Eggs  Legumes  Whole grains  Dark leafy vegetables  Red meats

11. Iron Deficiency - Anemia

12. Iodine  Function  Thyroid – regulates growth, development, and metabolic rate  Prevents  Goiter  Sources  Salt water fish  Iodized table salt

13. Iodine Deficiency  Goiter: visible lump in the neck

14. Other Trace Minerals  Zinc helps enzymes do work, aids the immune system, helps wounds heal and helps children grow. Sources: avocados, dairy, meats, whole grains and raisons.  Copper helps form hemoglobin. Sources: meat, egg, green veggies, nuts  Fluoride helps prevent tooth decay and strengthen bones. Source: toothpaste, water, seafood and eggs.

15. Electrolytes  Minerals that help maintain the fluid balance in the body, help maintain the heartbeat, help muscle and nerve action.  Electrolytes easily become imbalanced in cases of dehydration, illness and diarrhea.