Food Minerals

Minerals are special nutrients your body needs in small amounts. They come from the food you eat. Minerals help build strong bones and teeth. They also help your muscles and brain work right.

Important Minerals

Calcium helps make your bones and teeth strong. Milk, cheese, and yogurt have lots of calcium. Iron helps carry oxygen in your blood and is found in meat and beans. Potassium helps your muscles and is in bananas. Zinc helps you grow and fight off sickness.

Getting Enough Minerals

Eating many different foods is the best way to get minerals. Try to eat fruits, vegetables, and whole grains every day. Dairy and lean meats have minerals too. Leafy greens like spinach are packed with them. Your body only needs small amounts, but they are very important.

Fun Facts

• Your body has about 5 grams of iron in it.
• Bananas are famous for being full of potassium.
• Some minerals come from rocks and soil where plants grow.

Did You Know?

Your bones store about 99 percent of the calcium in your body, which is why milk is so good for growing kids.