Their Importance In Daily Diet

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXV, Issue 23181, 29 October 1938, Page 6 (Supplement)

Their Importance In Daily Diet

TOURING every season of the year, mineral Baits are necessary elements for the promotion of good health. Mineral salts or minerals constitute what we call the inorganic foods. They form the ash which is left after foods are burned in the body. They are present in all natural foods. There are two forms, the baso-form-ing and the acid-forming minerals. Both types arc found in food and in the body. The base-forming minerals are iron, magnesium, potash, lime and so/la. Acid-forming substances are phosphorus, chlorine combinations, sulphur and carbon. All the mineral salts are needed in the proper functioning of important body processes. Iron a Vital Element Though some minerals are required in larger amounts than others, this docs not mean that certain minerals are more important than others. For example, iron is a vital element in making the hemoglobin, the colouring

material of the blood, and in carrying oxygen to the tissues. Yet this mineral is neoded in very small amounts. It is abundantly found in vegetables, molasses, eggs, prunes and fruits, so if these are included in the diet you arc sure of getting your iron. Lime Essential for Children Lime is needed in liberal amounts, strange to say. Unfortunately, it is often found facking in the average dietary. Research men tell us that many serious changes take place in the body when lime is taken in insufficient amounts. Such individuals are more apt to have colds and nasal infections. The teeth become soft and are difficult to fill with any degree of permanency. Lime is particularly essential in the diet of young children. There is no reason for a lack of lime in the diet. This mineral is found in liberal amounts in prunes, oranges, celery, cauliflower, chard, spinach, figs, asparagus, cabbage, apples und milk. , Phosphorus builds bones aud teeth.