Introduction

What Are Minerals?

Minerals are the other micronutrient. Just like the other micronutrient (vitamins), they are also needed in very small amounts and necessary for promoting energy, growth, and healing.

Minerals are basic constituents of all matter. Minerals exist as inorganic forms in the earth, and they are a part of all living tissues. In fact, every living cell depends on minerals. When plant or animal remains burn or decompose, the final ash is composed of minerals.

Minerals are:

  • Inorganic molecules
  • Do not break down into smaller substances
  • Needed for growth, energy, and healing
  • Act as coenzymes
salt mines
Salt is a common mineral

Lesson Objectives

Following successful completion of this lesson, students will be able to...

  • List common minerals and food sources
  • Identify the overall functions of minerals in human body systems
  • Describe wellness aspects of under or excess intake of major and trace minerals in the body

Essential Questions

  • What foods give me the minerals I need?
  • How much of each mineral do I need to be healthy?
  • Is a supplement a good source of minerals?

Enduring Understandings

  • The body requires a variety of nutrients to work efficiently.
  • Nutrition can be used to prevent or treat disease.
  • Minerals help the body create energy, growth, and healing.
  • Minerals are plant-based.

The above objectives correspond with the Alabama Course of Study: Dietetics standards: 2, 5.