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The use of minerals, as can be rock crystal, to make used for hunting is
documented at the end of the Upper Palaeolithic instruments.
We know that the discovery and use of metals has given its name to some
of the periods of human history as the Bronze Age and Iron. And we know
that already four thousand years before the Babylonians, Egyptians and
Chinese were exploiting deposits.
Despite the foregoing, the term mineralogy not start talking until the
nineteenth century, a period in which the main mineralogists and geologists
were physicists and a biologist.
THE MINERALS
Types of minerals
Minerals can be divided into macro minerals and trace elements.
macrominerals
In the normal diet, macro minerals are those that the body needs in larger
quantities. In this group calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, potassium,
sulfur, chlorine and sodium are included.
The functions of each of the macro minerals are very spacious and some are
still unknown. However, they are necessary for body functions develop
normally. Experts say that the best way to get them is through diet. Foods
containing macrominerals are many. They can be found at:
The minerals that provide calcium, one of the leaders in the formation of
teeth and bones, are present mainly in milk and dairy products. In addition,
we can also find calcium in green leafy vegetables such as cabbage,
broccoli, kale, turnip greens or kale, salmon, sardines, nuts such as almonds
or sunflower seeds and dried vegetables , among other products.
Chlorine helps to maintain the balance of body fluids. The main source from
which it obtains the human being is cooking salt and vegetables such as
seaweed or lettuce. Tomatoes, olives, rye and celery are some of the foods
that also contain high levels of celery.
Like potassium, sodium helps in the functions of the nerves and muscles
and with chlorine in maintaining the balance of body fluids. The biggest
source of sodium is better known as sodium chloride salt.
trace elements
Regarding trace elements, these are minerals that the body requires only
small amounts. The main trace elements are iron, manganese, copper,
selenium, iodine, cobalt, zinc and fluorine. Both the lack of these minerals,
as its excess can have serious health consequences.
Among other functions, iron involved in the transport of oxygen and its
deficit can cause anemia. It is found mainly in red meat, legumes, salmon,
tuna, dried fruits, eggs, oysters or cereals, among other foods.
Manganese is essential for the proper functioning of the body. Nuts, tea,
legumes, seeds, green leafy vegetables and whole grains are the main
natural source of this trace element.
The formation of red blood cells is linked to copper. This mineral can be
obtained from seafood, legumes, nuts, potatoes, green leafy vegetables and
dried fruits, among others.
Iodine is involved in the production of thyroid hormones and plays a key role
during pregnancy. People can get fish like tuna and cod, seafood, dairy,
cereals, salt and some fruits and vegetables.
Cobalt acts to stimulate and achieve the proper functioning of red blood
cells. It is mainly found in clams, fish, cheese, red meat, whole grains, fruits
such as pears, cherries, legumes and nuts such as hazelnuts and walnuts,
among others.