Page 227 - Health, Population and Environment Education 9

Vitamin K : different types of green leafy vegetables

Vitamins are basically classified into two types. They are:
a. Fats soluble vitamins : Vitamin A, vitamin D, vitamin E and vitamin K

b. Water soluble vitamins : Vitamin B and vitamin C

E. Minerals and salts
Minerals are also the essential elements for the body. They are required in very less amount
in our body. We suffer from various disorders and diseases in the absence of minerals and
salts. About 4-6% of the body weight is occupied by minerals. Majority of the minerals
are stored in the bones and teeth of our body and some in the blood, muscles, tissues, etc.
Minerals are soluble in all kinds of body fluids.

Functions of minerals and salts
a. To maintain balance between acid and base in the body
b. Help in maintaining good health as well as the formations of bones/skeleton
c. Help in the formation of blood cells
d. Help in the formation of cells and tissues
e. Help in the normal functioning of heart and nervous system
f. Help in the contraction and relaxation of muscles
g. Help in proper balance of fluid in the body

Sources of minerals and salts
The sources of minerals are classified into four groups. They are:
a. Vegetable sources : All types of fruits and vegetables grown in the soil.
b. Animal sources : Herbivorous animals and birds, milk, egg, etc.

c. Water : Water contains different types of minerals in the soluble
form. So, the human beings can get different types of
minerals from drinking water and food.
d. Metabolic activities : Minerals are also obtained from the metabolism of food
materials.

Fig: 6
Vegetables Eggs Water
GREEN Environment Population and Health Education Book-9 227