Minerals needed by the body. The value of minerals in human life
Minerals and mineralogy are of extremely great interest for industry, many fields of science and have an important aesthetic value. Minerals played important role in human development and the creation of civilizations. In the Stone Age, people used flint tools. About 10,000 years ago, man learned how to get copper from ore. With the invention of bronze (an alloy of copper and tin), a new age began - the Bronze Age. Since the beginning of the Iron Age, 3300 years ago, man has mastered new ways of using minerals extracted from earth's crust. Modern industry is still dependent on the earth's mineral resources.
The practical value of a particular material for a person is determined by its chemical composition(for example, all metals are extracted from ore minerals), physical characteristics (most often - strength, hardness and malleability) and external natural beauty (this especially applies to minerals that form precious stones and finishing materials).
Some minerals have specific, inherent only to them physical properties used in human activities. For example, some types of mica are excellent electrical insulators, asbestos is a heat insulator, magnesite is a refractory substance, quartz has properties used in radio electronics, optics, ceramics, etc. The physical characteristics of minerals depend on the nature of crystallization (structural lattice) that make up chemical elements and present amorphous inclusions.
Minerals find applications in all areas of human activity. In one form or another, a person meets them at home and at work, outside the city, in complex scientific and technical facilities and everyday household items, while eating, watching fireworks and playing on the computer. Minerals have little energy value, but it is impossible to overestimate their importance in the human body. Minerals absorbed into the blood and combined with proteins. Such "complexes" are sent to places of active exchange or places of accumulation. The human body can store a supply of calcium, phosphorus, iodine and iron. Minerals are a flexible material and are part of bone tissue where the main elements are calcium and phosphorus. Minerals are part of enzymes and hormones, take part in the processes of metabolism, the formation of blood cells and blood clotting. Minerals and mineral substances ensure the functioning of the main body systems: muscle, digestive and cardiovascular. Minerals are required by the body in varying amounts. Their lack or complete absence can lead to both serious illnesses and to the death of the organism. Minerals are found in all kinds of foods: vegetables, grains, meats, and dairy products. There are about 30 types of minerals and trace elements, the absence of which disrupts normal work human body. All necessary for the body minerals can be obtained by eating foods of different categories daily. But this is not always possible, therefore, minerals are often deficient in the body. This situation can be corrected vitamin complexes, which include not only vitamins, but also minerals. Minerals such as calcium and fluorine are found in dairy products, especially in cheese and cottage cheese; potassium is part of dried fruits: raisins, dried apricots, prunes and legumes; the main source of iodine are marine products: seaweed, seaweed, fish fat; liver and egg yolks are rich in iron. Minerals are an important part of the health of the body.
CHAPTER III. DEVELOPMENT OF THE SCHOOL ELECTIVE COURSE "ENTERTAINING MINERALOGY"
(35 hours)
Explanatory note.
The program of the elective course "Entertaining Mineralogy" is intended for students in grade 9 and is designed for 35 academic hours. The content of this course allows students to get acquainted with the features of modern mineralogy as a science of minerals, one of the oldest sciences.
The elective course "Entertaining Mineralogy" allows students to supplement and deepen their knowledge of minerals, rocks and minerals, not only known from school course geography, but also about such minerals, which in national economy have recently found their way.
The questions of mineralogy are quite complex, but they need to be disclosed in an intelligible and interesting way. The content of the course is presented in an engaging way, through informative stories and entertaining tasks, which have an original solution.
analysis of tectonic, geological maps, maps of mineral deposits; analysis of statistical materials;
preparation of oral reports using various sources of information.
Conducting classes can be organized in an individual and frontal form. When performing practical work, it is possible to use a group form of training. The forms of conducting classes are diverse: lectures, seminars, workshops, games, imaginary trips and excursions. The content of the elective course offers students the choice of objects of study, forms and types of current final works, as well as topics and forms of presentation of the work.
An important feature of the proposed course is that it carries a generally significant cultural orientation that contributes to the formation of a comprehensively educated personality.
Relevance The program is due to the fact that school programs include the study of only certain topics related to mineralogy and geology. In addition, the study of even these topics is only fragmentary and does not have a systemic character. However, students show great interest in the course being studied. Children are especially attracted by practical exercises on the determination of minerals and rocks, geological excursions.
This course is designed as subject-oriented as part of pre - profile training and therefore course objective:
– creating conditions for ninth-graders to choose a natural-science and socio-economic profile of education in high school through an in-depth study of mineralogical knowledge and skills.
Course objectives:
1. To study in more depth information about the properties of minerals and metals that are currently used in the economy and learn how to use this knowledge in Everyday life.
2. To reveal the connections of mineralogy with other branches of knowledge, to determine the possibilities of their application.
3. To teach students to see in minerals exact models of the surrounding world and nature, the geological sequence of their occurrence and the use of different metals and their alloys at various stages of the historical development of human society.
Expected results:
Students should know:
The history of the emergence of mineralogy;
The concepts of "mineralogy", "minerals", "rock", "crystal", "ore",
Students should be able to:
Analyze data obtained from various geographic
sources of information
Distinguish between minerals and rocks by samples;
Find the largest mineral deposits on the map.
Students must use acquired knowledge and skills in
practical activities and daily life for:
broadening the general horizons, conducting an independent search
information from various cartographic sources,
statistical, geoinformation.
Introduction (1 hour)
What is mineralogy. Mineralogy is the science of minerals. The value of the course for the acquisition of geological knowledge and skills, skills in the assessment of specific geographical reality.
Section I
Stone in nature and city
Geological Mineralogical Museum of KFU(Excursion)
Geological Museum. A.A. Shtukenberg of Kazan University is one of the oldest and richest natural science museums in Russia. Founded in 1804. Departments: ore-mineralogical and petrographic; paleontological; dynamic geology and facies; monographic collections; geology of the local region, mineral resources of the Republic of Tatarstan; scientific and historical archive. The first filling of collections. Alexander Antonovich Shtukenberg (1844-1905), founder of the Kazan Geological School. Valuable materials for study by researchers; unique museum collections: the remains of post-Pliocene mammals of the east of Russia, Permian plants, meteorites, collections on mineralogy and petrography of the Urals.
To the mountains behind the rocks. Stones in caves. Khibiny - mountains beyond the Arctic Circle in the Kola Peninsula. Eudialyte. Saami fairy tales about stone. Crimean mountains. Mount Demerdzhi. Valley of Ghosts. Laccoliths.
Kungur Ice Cave. New Athos Cave of the Caucasus. Caves of the Crimean mountains. Marble Cave. Kizil-Koba. Limestone. Stalactite. Stalagmite. Calcium carbonate - calcite.
Stones at the bottom of lakes, swamps and seas. Stones in the desert. Stones on arable land and in the field. Peat is the most valuable fuel. Vivianite - blue paint, fertilizer. Ferrous accumulations at the bottom of the seas of the Gulf of Finland, the White Sea, the Arctic Ocean.
Takyrs. Blocks of sandstone. Sulfur in Turkmenistan. Karakum expedition of A. Fersman. The soil. Soil formation. Soil composition.
At the window with precious stones. In the palace-museum. Diamond deposits in South Africa. Homeland of red stone in the countries of the East - India, Thailand, Burma. Tourmaline, aquamarine, carnelian. Emerald. Tales of the emerald stone. Lapis lazuli. Jade from Central Asia. About jade. Jaspers of the Urals.
Tsarskoye Selo Palace in Pushkin. The Amber Room. Lyon Hall. Agate Rooms.
Stones in the big city Streets of St. Petersburg and Moscow, Kazan. Granite plinths. Moscow region marble. Stones of the Urals and Karelia.
In the mineralogical reserve Ilmensky mineralogical reserve.
Section II
Minerals are just as important for the development of our body as vitamins. They are called "sparks of life" because they play a multifunctional role in our body. These substances are present in cells, tissues and organs, i.e., in fact, in all structures of the body. There are two types of minerals - essential minerals and trace elements.
Calcium
Calcium is involved in building strong bones and teeth. It is essential for the functioning nervous system and muscles. This mineral acts as a conductor of electrical impulses between nerve cells, in its ionic form. It also regulates various cellular processes and helps maintain cellular structure, pressure and function.
Chromium
This mineral is essential for enhancing the effectiveness of insulin during the metabolic process. It regulates carbohydrate metabolism and plays a key role in cholesterol and amino acid metabolism.
Copper
Copper, along with vitamin C, is essential for wound healing. It is also involved in the formation of blood cells due to its role in iron metabolism. In addition, this mineral regulates the formation of melanin, bones and connective tissues, and helps maintain the integrity of the myelin sheath of nerve fibers.
Iodine plays a significant role in preventing goiter. It is required by the thyroid gland for its effective implementation. metabolic functions. This mineral is an integral component of all hormones produced by the thyroid gland and therefore helps to regulate metabolic processes throughout the body.
Iron
It is the most important component of blood (hemoglobin). Iron performs the function of transporting oxygen, delivering it to various areas organism. It is also necessary for the formation of blood. Among other things, this mineral also plays a vital role in tissue oxidation, respiration, and electron transport.
Magnesium
Magnesium acts as an intermediary in the process of using carbohydrates, fats and proteins in the body. It acts as an enzyme activator and is an important component of bones and cartilage.
Manganese
Together with calcium, manganese is required for the production of sex hormones and the development of the skeletal system. It is also vital for red blood cell regeneration and carbohydrate metabolism.
Molybdenum
Molybdenum is very important mineral, as it promotes the transport of iron from the liver to the body.
Potassium is essential for the formation of a healthy nervous system, heart, muscles and kidneys. It regulates intracellular osmotic pressure and acid-base balance. This mineral is also required for glycogen and protein synthesis, including glucose metabolism.
Selenium
Selenium plays a role in maintaining the elasticity of arteries and tissues. It also protects cell tissues and membranes from oxidative damage. In addition, this mineral is thought to play a role in the absorption and retention of vitamin E.
Zinc
Zinc is required for proper wound healing. It plays an important role in the metabolism of fats, proteins and carbohydrates. In addition, it is involved in the synthesis and metabolism of nucleic acids (RNA) and proteins.
Minerals play an important role in the catalysis and activation of enzymes in the body. If there is a deficiency of any mineral, acute or chronic diseases can develop.
Low levels of potassium and magnesium can lead to heart attacks.
Minerals help prevent osteoporosis, cancer, arthritis, goiter, gastrointestinal problems, periodontal disease, and anemia. Potassium, sodium, iron and calcium phosphates are important for nerve formations. Minerals are required to control body fluids inside and outside cells.
They help convert food into energy. Also, these substances help the body absorb vitamins and use them for the implementation of various biological functions. If at least one mineral is missing, the normal functioning of the body is at risk.
Proteins, carbohydrates, fats and vitamins are useless if there are no minerals in the body that serve as catalysts for chemical molecules. Therefore, without minerals, the body cannot function properly.
The above information indicates that these important compounds are absolutely essential for building and maintaining a healthy, disease-free body. Due to the habit of eating irregularly and consuming junk food, people, especially children, do not receive important vitamins and minerals necessary for their growth and development. To receive right amount vitamins and minerals required by the body, it is very important to eat a healthy and balanced diet.
There are many vitamin supplements available on the market that can be used to correct vitamin deficiencies. However, it should be remembered that an overdose of minerals or vitamins can also cause toxic phenomena in the body. In this regard, before you start taking tablets with vitamins and minerals, consult your doctor. So, the next time you're offered a salad, don't refuse; it is full of minerals and vitamins!
Minerals for the human body.
Today we are writing another article for you, without which our blog would not be complete. So, as minerals, on a par with vitamins, are VERY important, underestimated by many, substances involved in metabolic processes our body. And undereating them, especially in the process of losing weight, is not at all good for your health.
Minerals are divided into two groups: macronutrients and micronutrients.
- Macroelements - calcium (Ca), iron (Fe), potassium (K), sodium (Na), phosphorus (P), magnesium (Mg), chlorine (Cl). These minerals are found in food in large quantities.
- Trace elements - zinc (Zn), copper (Cu), iodine (I), fluorine (Ft), selenium (Se), sulfur (S), etc. - the concentration of these substances in products is very low.
The main minerals, their benefits, and places of content we wrote below:
1. Potassium.
Potassium plays an important role in the processes of water-salt metabolism in the body, maintaining a constant pressure in biological fluids and taking part in the regulation acid-base balance. It is necessary for the activity of the muscles of the heart and intestines.
Potassium is rich in potatoes, carrots, cabbage, parsley, spinach, legumes, apricots, prunes and raisins.
2. Calcium.
Calcium takes an active part in the formation of the skeleton (note to all parents). Almost 99% of all calcium in the body is found in bone tissue. It also participates in the processes of blood clotting, permeability of cell membranes, excitability of nerve cells.
3. Magnesium.
Magnesium is involved in metabolism, is part of many enzyme systems of the body, along with its friends calcium and phosphorus, participates in the formation of the skeleton, stimulates intestinal function and increases bile secretion. The role of magnesium in the transmission of nerve impulses is well known to physicians. If you feel like you can't relax, it might be due to a lack of magnesium!
Magnesium is found mainly in cereals: wheat, rye, buckwheat, oats, millet and barley.
4. Phosphorus.
Phosphorus is actively involved in all major metabolic processes. Phosphorus compounds with protein, fat and nucleic acids are highly biologically active and are the most common components in the body. Like calcium, phosphorus takes part in the formation of the skeleton.
Phosphorus is found in a variety of foods. Its greatest amount is found in egg yolk, meat, fish, cheeses, oatmeal and buckwheat, legumes and nuts. If you eat a large amount of these foods, don't worry, you won't glow in the dark :). The maximum that threatens you is overweight on the scales!
5. Iron.
Iron, I repeat, as well as other minerals, is actively involved in many vital processes in our body. It is the main part of hemoglobin, plays the role of a catalyst in the redox processes of the body. Sufficient intake of iron with food is especially important for children, since its reserves in the child's body are very limited.
This does not mean that you need to go and nail-biting to the pharmacy as soon as possible. You just need to eat iron-rich foods more often. For example, such as meat (sorry vegetarians), offal, fish, egg yolk, legumes, oatmeal and barley porridge.
6. Sodium.
Sodium is also an important intercellular and intracellular macroelement involved in various processes of our body - the regulation of blood pressure, water metabolism, in the work of digestive enzymes, in the work of nerve and muscle tissues.
Sodium is found in in large numbers in animal products and added as salt to food (3 to 8 grams per day). Yes, yes, remember chemistry lessons? NaCl is salt, and there is the closest relative of sodium, there is also a relative of soda, but it is not so tasty :). Another large amount of sodium is found in oranges, about them, and other sour fruits are written in our blog article.
Only people suffering from cardiovascular diseases should limit the amount of salt, as there is a link between excess sodium in the body and hypertension. In addition, excess sodium retains water in the body, causing edema:(.
7. Sulfur.
Sulfur is another vital microelement that is part of proteins in the form of sulfur-containing amino acids. It is also part of some hormones and is one of the sources of hydrogen. It turns out that a person contains approximately 2 grams. sulfur in 1 kg. weight!
Sulfur is the highest in animal products: meat, poultry, eggs, seafood, fish, dairy products, cheeses. She is also in herbal products- in cereals, cereals, legumes, apples, grapes, gooseberries, plums, onions, garlic, asparagus, and even nuts.
8. Zinc.
Zinc is an essential trace element, it is part of the hormone insulin and testosterone, zinc is also involved in carbohydrate metabolism, in many important enzymes. With a lack of zinc in the diet, boys develop growth retardation and sexual development. We also need vitamin E for processing.
Zinc is found in cereals, yeast, legumes, beef liver, beef, lamb, hard cheese, pumpkin seeds, sesame, and many other products.
9. Iodine.
Iodine is also present in all living beings. Its content in plants and animals depends on nutrition and place of residence. The amount of iodine affects whether a person can learn all the capitals of Europe in 2 minutes or not (on memory and intelligence in general. And also, a lack of iodine leads to diseases thyroid gland.
Iodine is rich in seafood: fish, seaweed. You can also replenish the balance of iodine by applying a few strips of liquid iodine from a pharmacy to the skin.
The importance of minerals for humans
Minerals play one of the most important roles in proper nutrition person. When the body receives them in insufficient quantities, this can lead to diseases and various pathologies, both in an adult and in a child.
With frequent unbalanced nutrition, during convalescence or in postoperative period, with regular sports, during pregnancy or breastfeeding, the body's need for minerals increases in many ways, and you can’t let everything take its course.
It is quite possible to notice the signals of our body on our own - the hair has become dull and falls out, brittle nails, frequent headaches, problems with teeth, and apathy.
What minerals are especially needed
What minerals do our body really need to prevent diseases and their prevention? Doctors have long compiled a list of minerals that play a key role in the processes occurring in the body.
Hemoglobin contains iron, and it transports oxygen to all tissues and organs. Insufficient amount of iron can cause anemia, loss of strength, general weakness of the whole organism. Iron is found in such foods - meat, liver, cereals, dried fruits, apples and green vegetables.
Depends on iodine right job thyroid gland - it produces hormones. If there is not enough iodine, the body loses its defenses in the fight against diseases, weakness and loss of strength occur. Iodine is rich in seafood, seaweed, iodized salt.
Potassium
This mineral regulates osmotic pressure in the body, normalizes the rhythm of the heart and is responsible for the transmission of nerve impulses to skeletal muscles. When there is not enough potassium in the body, anemia, muscle weakness, and fluid retention in the body can occur. Potassium is found in vegetables, fruits, bananas and potatoes.
Everyone knows that it is thanks to calcium that a person has strong teeth and bones. Calcium is also involved in the process of blood clotting, collagen renewal in the skin. Vitamin D is also needed for proper absorption of calcium, it is produced by our skin with the participation of sunlight. Insufficient calcium can cause rickets. Calcium is found in foods such as nuts, eggs, fish, and beans.
Silicon
As part of connective tissue there is silicon, which makes it strong and elastic, it is involved in the synthesis of collagen and elastin. It can be attributed to the main structural component of our body. Silicon enters the body from plant foods.
Forms immunity, participates in energy exchange, hormone production and protein synthesis. Lack of magnesium can cause heart rhythm problems, insomnia, and seizures. Such foods are rich in magnesium: liver, yeast, eggs, green peas, dairy products.
Manganese
Participates in tissue respiration, hematopoiesis, carbohydrate and lipid metabolism. Parsley, dill, grapes, tomatoes are rich in manganese.
Copper
The main function of copper in the human body is fermentation, participates in a variety of metabolic processes, and is part of hormones. Copper is rich in seafood, cabbage, carrots, apples, corn.
Sodium
Sodium and potassium normalize the osmotic pressure in the body, preventing salt retention and excess fluid in the body, helps cell renewal. The lack of this element is extremely rare, since the use of salt covers the daily requirement.
In the body, selenium is found in the liver, kidneys, spleen, heart, and in the cell nucleus. It is involved in the metabolism of proteins, fats, carbohydrates. Selenium strengthens the immune system and the nervous system, and is effective in cardiovascular diseases. Seafood, coconut, meat, wheat bran, liver are rich in selenium.
Sulfur
This mineral is found in bile acids, enzymes and hormones, including the important one insulin. The mineral is part of the cartilage and connective tissues. Sulfur deficiency is detected in problems with blood sugar levels, reproductive functions, and the elasticity of joints and blood vessels decreases. Sulfur is present in animal and plant foods such as fish, meat, eggs, dairy products, apples, cereals, onions, cabbage.
Zinc helps the formation of blood cells, affects the immune system, is part of insulin. The role of the mineral is also important in cell division, DNA synthesis, and the formation of sex hormones. Zinc deficiency can cause infertility. Zinc is found in seafood, green vegetables, nuts, garlic, strawberries, and raspberries.
Chromium
If there is a lack of chromium in the body, this is fraught with developmental delay, reduces the chance of fertilization of the egg by the sperm. With a constant lack of chromium, vision decreases and brain function, in particular memory, deteriorates. Chromium comes from the following foods: buckwheat, wheat, barley porridge; dates, nuts, dairy products, vegetables.
We constantly hear about the benefits and indispensability of vitamins, but what do we know about minerals? Are they really that important? Or can you do without them? Let's talk about each individually:
1. Calcium
This mineral is very important for building teeth, bones, and collagen renewal in the skin. It is one of the main components involved in blood clotting, transmission of nerve impulses, and also has an anti-allergic effect. The absorption of calcium by the body requires vitamin D, which is known to be produced by the skin in response to sunlight. A lack of calcium leads to a serious disease called rickets, so the constant intake of foods containing this trace element is vital. Sources of calcium are all dairy products, nuts, fish, eggs, beans, etc.
2. Iron
This element is part of hemoglobin, which delivers oxygen to all organs and tissues, for this reason, cells cannot be nourished without it. Insufficient intake of iron-rich foods, unbalanced diets, and significant blood loss lead to anemia. Most rich in iron following products: liver, meat, cereals, dried fruits, apples, etc.
3. Potassium
Regulates osmotic pressure in the body, and is also responsible for normal heartbeat and transmission of nerve impulses in skeletal muscles. With its deficiency, anemia, convulsions, muscle weakness and fluid retention in the body often develop. Fruits, vegetables, potatoes, bananas are the main sources of potassium; sufficient intake of these foods easily makes up for its deficiency.
4. Copper
The main role of copper in the body is enzymatic, it is involved in many metabolic processes, is part of hormones and enzymes. Without it, normal metabolism is impossible. Copper is found in seafood, cabbage, carrots, beans, corn, and apples.
5. Manganese
It is the main participant in tissue respiration, hematopoiesis, participates in lipid and carbohydrate metabolism, stimulates cell renewal. This trace element is found mainly in plant foods: dill, parsley, grapes, tomatoes, strawberries.
6. Magnesium
Involved in the production of hormones and protein synthesis, the formation of immunity, is involved in the regulation of muscle excitability and energy metabolism. Its deficiency can cause heart rhythm disturbances, seizures and insomnia. In a large amount of magnesium contain: liver, sprouted wheat, yeast, eggs, green peas, dairy products.
7. Sodium
This element, together with potassium, normalizes the osmotic pressure in the body, preventing the retention of salt and fluid in the body, and is involved in cell renewal processes. Sodium deficiency is extremely rare, as daily requirement in this element is covered by eating salt.
8. Sulfur
Sulfur is part of bile acids, enzymes and hormones, the main of which is insulin, because without it carbohydrate metabolism becomes impossible. In addition, sulfur is part of the connecting and cartilage tissue. With its deficiency, problems with blood sugar levels appear, reproductive function, and the vessels and joints lose their elasticity. Sulfur is found in foods, both animal and plant origin: in meat, eggs, fish, dairy products, as well as in cereals, apples, grapes, cabbage, onions and mustard.
9. Silicon
Silicon is part of the connective tissue, which gives it strength and elasticity, is involved in the synthesis of collagen and elastin, so we can safely say that it is the main structural component of the whole organism. The source of silicon is plant food, since it is plants that are able to convert silicon compounds into a form digestible for humans.
10. Zinc
It is part of some hormones and enzymes, is involved in the formation of blood cells, the formation of immunity, and, together with sulfur, is part of insulin. Zinc plays an important role in cell division, DNA synthesis, the formation of sex hormones, so its deficiency often leads to infertility. Seafood, green vegetables, raspberries, strawberries, nuts, garlic, seeds are the main sources of this trace element.
11. Selenium
The main part of selenium is found in organs such as the liver, kidneys, spleen, heart, testicles in men, and is present in the cell nucleus. Participates in the metabolism of proteins, fats and carbohydrates, redox reactions. Selenium is necessary to strengthen the immune system and nervous system, helps to cleanse the body of heavy metal ions, helps to resist cancer and cardiovascular diseases. Sources of selenium are: seafood, coconuts, wheat bran, meat, pork and beef liver, garlic, mushrooms.
12. Chrome
The lack of chromium is fraught with deterioration and violation nervous activity, developmental delay may occur, reduces the ability of sperm to fertilize an egg. A systematic lack of this element impairs vision and brain function, such as memory function. The deterioration of the skin condition is also associated with a lack of chromium. May occur acne, dermatitis, psoriasis, etc. Chromium normalizes blood glucose levels, reduces the need for insulin. A person receives it from such products: cereals (barley, buckwheat, millet), nuts, dates. It is found in milk and fermented milk products, vegetables (potatoes, Jerusalem artichoke, tomatoes, cucumbers, onions, cabbage) legumes, seafood.
13. Iodine
Iodine is essential for the proper functioning of the thyroid gland. Iodine thyroid uses to produce hormones that normalize the work of the whole organism. The lack of this element negatively affects the intellectual functions of the brain, the body's defenses are reduced, it is felt general weakness and lack of strength. Most severely, iodine deficiency affects the development of children - children grow poorly, lag behind in mental and physical development. Sources of iodine are seaweed, sea fish and seafood, iodized salt.