Water and Minerals

One of the most important things in our nutrition is not something we eat but drink and that thing is water. We can survive up to three weeks without eating but can survive only for 3 to 4 without water. This is because water is an essential component of protoplasm. About 70% of the body weight of mammals is water.

Functions of water

Water is one of the best-known solvents for both inorganic salts and many organic compounds. In fact, it is also known as a universal solvent because of its unique ability to dissolve most of the things that go in it. This property gives water its many functions and makes it especially important to life.

Thus, water serves as a medium in which the various chemical reactions of an organism occur. It is a vital transporting agent for digested food substances from the intestines to other parts of the body, excretory products from the tissue cells to the excretory organs, such as kidneys, for removal, hormones from glands, where they are produced, to regions of the body which require them. It is also a major component of lubricant found in the joints, the digestive juices, and even our blood!

In addition, water is needed to carry out many types of reactions hydrolytic reactions, which
take place during digestion. It is also required in plants during photosynthesis and in
homeostasis; to maintain our body temperature.

Water Requirements

The amount of water needed in the body depends on the activity of the person and the
environmental conditions. More water is needed by active people and by those living in hot and
dry climates.

Water is lost from the body during many of our daily activities which are as simple
as breathing, excreting, and through sweating. In some diseases like diabetes, the volume of urine passed is greatly increased so that patients need more water than non-diabetic people. To balance the amount of water lost daily a normal healthy and ordinarily active adult in a temperate climate requires about 3 liters of water a day. In hot climates, slightly more water may be needed.

Minerals

Mineral elements are inorganic salts which do not provide energy but are vital for the proper
functioning of our bodies.

Minerals are obtained from other animals or from plants. In humans and other mammals, some minerals are required in large quantities while others are only needed in small quantities. Those mineral elements that are required in large amounts include calcium, phosphorus, sodium, chlorine, potassium, and iron. Today we will discuss important minerals such as calcium and
iron.

Calcium

Calcium is mainly found in dairy products like milk, cheese, and eggs. It is also found in cereals, soya beans, and dark green vegetables such as spinach. Calcium is required for the building of bones and teeth. It is also needed for the normal functioning of the muscles, and for the clotting of blood to prevent excessive loss of blood.

Iron

Iron is found in the liver, all red meat, and egg yolk. It is also found in bread, flour, and dark green vegetables. Iron is a structural component of hemoglobin, myoglobin, and some enzymes and so is essential for their formation.

Trace Elements

Minerals known to be needed in very small quantities are called trace elements. Iodine zinc and manganese are examples of such elements. Trace elements are normally consumed in food and they function in bodily processes but are not fully understood yet.

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Timestamp:

00:00 Water and Minerals
00:14 Importance of water
00:29 Function of water
01:36 Water requirements
02:16 Minerals
02:46 Calcium
03:06 Iron
03:23 Trace elements