Minerals, Fibre and Water

Through this lesson let’s learn about some minerals, fibre and water in our food.

Minerals

Just like vitamins, mineral containing food help your body grow, develop, and stay healthy.

Calcium, Iron, Potassium, Zinc are some of the minerals in our food.

List of food containing minerals

• dairy products, such as milk, cheese, and yogurt
• canned salmon and sardines with bones
• leafy green vegetables
• calcium-fortified foods – from orange juice to cereals and crackers
• meat, especially red meat, such as beef
• eggs
• beans
• dried fruits, like raisins
• whole and enriched grains, like wheat or oats
• bananas
• tomatoes
• citrus fruits, like oranges
• legumes, such as beans, peas, lentils, and peanuts

How the body uses minerals?

1) They help to build strong and healthy bones and teeth. (E.g. – Calcium)

2) They help to carry oxygen throughout the body by forming ‘hemoglobin’ in red blood cells. (E.g. – Iron)

3) They keep your muscles and nervous system working properly. (E.g. – potassium)

4) They help your immune system, which is your body’s system for fighting off illnesses and infections. (E.g. – Zinc)

5) They help with cell growth and helps heal wounds, such as cuts. (E.g. – Zinc)

Fibre

Another name for fibre is roughage. Also, foods rich in fibre are called fibrous food. Foods with fibre are really good for you and your bowels. Fibre is found in plants and can’t be digested. So, it helps clean out your intestines by moving bowel movements along.
 
Fibrous food make your faeces (poo / poop) large and soft, so that it can be easily pushed out through your gut. If you eat lots of root vegetables and have a high fibre diet, you can pass more poo without any difficulty and feel much better.
 

List of food containing fibre

• Brown rice
• Fruit
• Oatmeal

Water

Like food, water is also essential.

Our body needs water.

You can get enough water by drinking water, milk and other liquids and from our food.

Now, try the Proteins & Minerals Quiz.