All the complex chemical reactions of the body take place at the cellular level. For example, the building of new blood cells, sending of nerve signals or repairing of wounds. Moreover, the new cells replace old cells when they die, to ensure the proper and healthy functioning. However, everything that happens in the human body completely relies on nutrients. Among the 6 essential nutrients, Minerals and Vitamins are the two most important ones.
Difference between Vitamins and Minerals
Minerals are inorganic compound nutrients can be metabolized to release energy in the body. Vitamins are organic nutrients that are destructible. However, minerals cannot create energy and are indestructible, whereas organic nutrients can be destroyed or altered.
What is the Link between Vitamins and Mineral?
Vitamins and Minerals are often required to work together. For instance, Vitamin C and calcium works together in the process of depositing calcium in teeth, Vitamin D helps in raising the amount of phosphorous and calcium in the blood to ensure the presence of minerals to harden bones.
Essential Vitamins and Their Functions
Here is the list of some essential vitamins and minerals and their benefits for the body.
- Vitamin A
This vitamin is good for general growth and development, such as skin, healthy teeth and healthy eyes. The natural sources include sweet potatoes and carrots.
- B Vitamins
These vitamins are good for iron absorption, energy production and immune function. Some of the natural sources include molasses, whole grains, bananas, potatoes, lentils, beans, chili peppers and yeast.
- Vitamin C
This vitamin is good for strengthening blood vessels, iron absorption, anti-oxidant function and giving skin its elasticity. The major source of Vitamin C is citrus fruits.
- Vitamin D
Vitamin D is best for healthy and strong bone. Some major sources include sunlight, fish, eggs and mushrooms.
- Vitamin E
Vitamin E is good for protection from free radicals and blood circulation. The major source of Vitamin E is dry fruits.
- Vitamin K
Vitamin K is best for Blood coagulation. This Vitamin is generally found in leafy green vegetables.
Minerals and Their Functions
- Folic Acid
This mineral is good for preventing birth defects in pregnancy and cell renewal. Some of the sources of folic acid include corn, nuts, lentils, peas and beans.
- Calcium
Calcium is good for strong bones and teeth. The best source of Calcium is found in dark greens and dairy products
- Iron
Iron is good for maintaining healthy blood and building muscles naturally. Iron can be found in spinach, lentils and beans.
Different Functions of Vitamins and Minerals
Vitamins do several jobs, as they are energy nutrients, such as acting as antioxidants and breaking down other nutrients. In contrast, minerals work mainly on the skeleton; however, they can also interact with water for regulating the pH balance in the body, transmission of nerve impulses and for the contraction of muscles. Vitamins are essential for the creation of red blood cells and Minerals are necessary to carry oxygen for oxygen through the blood.
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