What Does mineral Mean
A mineral is an inorganic matter : it lacks organs for life. It can be found in the different layers of the crust of the Earth or even on the surface.
Unlike animals, plants, fungi, and other living things , minerals do not have life. This means that these substances, although they are of natural origin, are not born or die; they do not reproduce either.
There are more than 5000 kinds of minerals and several dozen more are discovered each year. Although the distinctive features of minerals are often debated, it is generally considered that these elements must be capable of being represented by a chemical formula and must be stable at room temperature (which is why they must be solid, although there are exceptions). The physical characteristics of minerals, on the other hand, are homogeneous .
Minerals are often confused with rocks . A rock is a material that can be made up of a mineral or a combination of them. That is why its chemical composition is variable, unlike what happens with minerals.
The gloss , the hardness and toughness are some of the properties of minerals. According to its qualities, each mineral has a greater or lesser importance for the human being according to the use that is given to it.
Industrial minerals are those that man exploits on a large scale, resorting to mining for their extraction and treatment. The copper , the iron , the bauxite and diamond , amongst many others, are used in many areas and contexts.
It is estimated that one third of the world's population is deficient in minerals and vitamins . This can lead to a large number of infectious diseases, largely due to improper diet. First of all, we must point out that all minerals are necessary, although some we need more than others. Below we review the most important for our health:
* Silicon : plays an important role in the formation, reinforcement and elasticity of connective tissue, especially the skin, nails and hair. On the other hand, it also helps to fix calcium in the bones and teeth, in addition to calming digestive problems;
* Calcium : it is the most abundant mineral in our body and has many functions, among which the strengthening of bones and teeth and the intervention in muscle contraction and blood clotting in case of injury stand out;
* Magnesium : it is one of the essential minerals. It collaborates in the formation of proteins , in the energy release, in the regulation of body temperature and in the stabilization of the bones. As if this were not enough, it is one of the agents that maintains blood pressure between the values considered healthy;
* iron : we need it to live because it is part of the red blood cells that carry oxygen to the cells. It is also involved in obtaining certain enzymes that attack infections and vitamin A, among other substances;
* Potassium : helps regulate other minerals and fluids inside and outside the cells, in addition to regulating blood pressure and nerve impulses. Not getting enough potassium can lead to loss of appetite, weakness, and cramps;
* zinc : its presence in our body is essential for several hundred enzymes to function correctly. Other of its benefits are perceived in the healing of wounds, the sharpening of smell and taste and the functioning of the immune system .