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about minerals

THE VARIED DIET

MINERALS

MAJOR FUNCTIONS

SOURCES

Selenium Its antioxidant properties protect against damage to cells and help maintain their health

Involved in enzyme activities

Grains

Onion

Brazil nuts

Seafoods

Kidney

Liver

Meats

Vegetable
Copper Needed for the absorption and use of iron in the formation of red blood cells

Helps to form the protective covering of nerves

Forms part of many enzymes
Liver

Shellfish

Whole grains

Legumes

Kidney

Poultry

Oysters

Chocolate

Nuts
Iodine Forms part of thyroid hormones that helps to regulate growth, development, and metabolic rate Iodised salt

Seafood

Plants grown in iodine-rich soil

Manganese Component of essential enzyme system Beet greens

Whole grains

Nuts

Legumes

Fruit

Fluoride Present in bone and teeth

Helps make teeth resistant to decay

May help to minimize bone loss

Fluoridated water

Food grown or cooked in fluoridated water

Tea

Seafood

Molybdenum Constituent of essential enzymes Legumes

Cereals

Organ meats

Cobalt Part of Vitamin B12 and is therefore involved in nerve function and blood formation Foods of animal origin

Meats

Milk

Dairy products
Chromium Associated the functioning of insulin and glucose metabolism Whole grain cereals

Vegetable oils

Meat

Brewer’s yeast

Developed by the Nutrition Information Centre of the Univ of Stellenbosch
Francie van Zijl Drive, Clinical Building, Tygerberg 7505, Tygerberg
Designed by Clint D.Pietersen RD(SA)

 

Last updated:
10-Feb-2006

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