What are minerals essential for?

Minerals are essential for maintaining proper health in the body. They play a critical role in various physiological functions and processes. For instance, minerals such as calcium and phosphorus are crucial for the development and maintenance of bones and teeth, while iron is vital for the formation of hemoglobin in red blood cells, which carries oxygen throughout the body. Additionally, minerals are involved in enzyme reactions, nerve function, muscle contractions, and the regulation of fluid balance.

While minerals do influence plant growth by contributing to soil nutrition and overall plant health, their primary importance in the context of human physiology lies in their role in maintaining bodily functions. Minerals also support various metabolic processes, but they do not directly produce energy; this is primarily the role of macronutrients like carbohydrates, fats, and proteins. As for temperature regulation, minerals can influence processes such as sweating, but they do not actively control body temperature on their own.