We all know we need vitamins to remain healthy, but there are certain minerals that are useful too. Luckily, there are plenty of minerals to be found in the fruit we eat every day. Here's a guide to the minerals found in some fruit and what they are useful for. Most fruits also have trace amounts of other minerals.
Apple - potassium, calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, selenium
Avocado - potassium, phosphorus, magnesium, calcium, sodium, iron
Banana - potassium, magnesium, phosphorus, calcium, selenium, iron
Blackberry - potassium, calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, manganese, iron, selenium, zinc
Cantaloupe - potassium, phosphorus, calcium, magnesium,
Grape - potassium, calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, iron, selenium
Kiwi - potassium, phosphorus, magnesium, calcium, selenium, iron, zinc, copper
Lemon - potassium, calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, iron
Lime - potassium, calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, iron
Mango - potassium, calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, iron
Orange - potassium, calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, selenium
Peach - potassium, phosphorus, magnesium, calcium, selenium
Strawberry - potassium, calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, selenium, iron, manganese
Tomato - potassium, phosphorus, magnesium, calcium, sodium, iron, selenium
Watermelon - potassium, magnesium, phosphorus, calcium, iron, selenium
What are the minerals good for?
calcium - muscle contraction, blood clotting and the operation of the nervous system. Calcium also helps with insomnia.
copper - helps the body store and use iron; helps supply oxygen to the body; helps with the formation of red blood cells.
iron - iron deficiency affects children's learning and behavior. It can also affect the nervous system and cause weakness and tiredness.
magnesium - helps with making new cells, activating B vitamins, clotting blood, producing energy, relaxing nerves and muscles and absorbing certain vitamins. Magnesium is also useful for bones and for insulin secretion.
manganese - helps with enzymes relating to blood sugar and thyroid hormone function.
phosphorus - helps to form bones, teeth and nerves.
potassium - helps the body grow, regulates water balance in the body and helps with heart function.
selenium - an antioxidant that works with vitamin E.
sodium - regulates blood pressure and blood volume and helps muscles and nerves work.
zinc - useful for the immune system, growth, healing and sight, as well as the metabolism of carbohydrates and protein.
