Minerals, mineral salts and mineral substances are salt-like substances of the earth’s crust. They always consist of a compound between a metal and a non-metal. In the field of tension of this contrast, the typical characteristics of minerals arise: all minerals are crystals and dissolve in water as so-called ions, which have electrical properties.
What are minerals (mineral substances)?
However, the individual minerals and mineral substances dissolve in water to varying degrees.
Table salt is a mineral that is very soluble, while lime dissolves less and some rocks dissolve only in traces in water.
Minerals are of vital importance to all organisms.
The human body consists of 5% minerals, most of which are dissolved in body fluids.
Importance for body and health
Minerals are dissolved in the body as electrolytes in the blood, lymph, tissue fluid and cells. In solid form, minerals are a component of bones and teeth. The kidneys ensure the correct concentration of dissolved minerals, the content of which may only fluctuate within narrow limits. If there are major deviations in the mineral balance, there is a risk of serious health disorders.
Common salt is the mineral that plays the greatest role for the body in terms of quantity. Sodium is a component of the mineral. It is indispensable for the formation of nerve impulses, muscle activity and water balance. Together with chloride, which is the second component of common salt, it helps the body regulate acid balance. A deficiency of sodium may indicate kidney disease. Excessive loss of sodium chloride is also dangerous if the mineral is excreted excessively during diarrhea or due to other circumstances (water tablets). In such cases, the physician instructs the patient to increase mineral intake.
Calcium is a mineral that is essential for the formation of bones and teeth. Man absorbs the mineral mainly through the consumption of milk yogurt and cheese. Calcium has special medical importance in internal medicine. The mineral is involved in blood clotting and sometimes needs to be lowered with medication to prevent heart attacks.
Magnesium and potassium are also important minerals. The need for these minerals is increased in various diseases. Patients with high blood pressure should avoid table salt and take potassium salts instead. Magnesium is a mineral that doctors recommend for muscle cramps.
Many other minerals have important biological and therefore medical significance. Minerals contain not only the quantity elements, but also the trace elements contained in minerals are vital food components.
Importance for training and sports
A higher need for minerals does not only exist in the case of various diseases. For example, athletes must be careful not to experience a critical loss of electrolytes. This is because sweating during intense physical activity causes people to lose minerals through the skin. Common salt is the mineral that is contained in the highest concentration in sweat. Drinks with a high content of minerals are therefore essential for any athletic workout.
Mineral waters that have a low sodium content are often recommended. This does not apply to athletes, the mineral sodium may be quietly somewhat higher in their drinks.
But it is not only the sodium balance that athletes should be concerned about. A heavily loaded body also loses other important minerals. Magnesium, potassium and calcium, for example, have a positive effect on optimal muscle and heart function. Too much of a good thing cannot be done in this respect. After all, an excess is not dangerous. Healthy kidneys excrete the minerals that the body does not need.
