Leaving Certificate Home Economics Notes: Minerals

Keywords: Leaving Cert Study Notes, Home Economics Study Notes, minerals, essential minerals, mineral functions, dietary sources, calcium, iron, potassium, magnesium, mineral deficiencies, mineral absorption.

Key Lessons from "Leaving Certificate Home Economics Notes: Minerals"

• Calcium: Found in milk, cheese, and yogurt, calcium is essential for strong bones and teeth, blood clotting, and muscle contraction. Deficiencies can lead to osteoporosis, tooth decay, and muscle cramps. Vitamin D and phosphorus aid absorption, while tannins and excess fat hinder it.

• Iron: Present in red meat (haem iron) and cereals or eggs (non-haem iron), iron forms red blood cells and haemoglobin. Vitamin C and stomach acid enhance absorption, while tea and dietary fiber reduce it. Deficiencies can cause anemia and delayed development.

• Zinc: Found in milk and eggs, zinc supports energy metabolism, tissue repair, and healthy skin and hair. Deficiency symptoms include tiredness, poor immunity, and hair loss.

• Iodine: Found in seafood, milk, and meat, iodine helps produce thyroxine, a hormone regulating metabolism and supporting growth. Deficiencies can result in goiter, obesity, and developmental delays in children.

• Sodium and Potassium: Sodium, in cheese and table salt, regulates blood pressure and muscle function, while potassium, in bananas and meat, supports energy metabolism and nerve activity. Deficiencies in either can lead to fatigue, memory issues, and muscle cramps.

Important Takeaways from "Leaving Certificate Home Economics: Minerals"

• Understanding Minerals: Minerals are essential nutrients needed in small amounts to support various body functions, including bone health, oxygen transport, and enzyme activity.

• Macrominerals and Trace Minerals: Macrominerals like calcium, potassium, and magnesium are required in larger amounts, while trace minerals like iron, zinc, and iodine are needed in smaller quantities but are equally important.

• Functions of Key Minerals: Calcium strengthens bones and teeth, iron supports red blood cell production, and iodine regulates thyroid hormones for healthy metabolism.

• Sources of Minerals: Minerals are found in a variety of foods, such as dairy products (calcium), red meat and leafy greens (iron), and seafood (iodine).

• Preventing Deficiencies: A balanced diet rich in diverse foods helps prevent mineral deficiencies like anemia (iron), osteoporosis (calcium), and goiter (iodine).

Keywords: Leaving Cert Study Notes, Home Economics Study Notes, minerals, essential minerals, mineral functions, dietary sources, calcium, iron, potassium, magnesium, mineral deficiencies, mineral absorption.