In order for our bodies to function correctly, we need to eat foods that enable us to absorb the minerals that are essential for our wellbeing. This makes eating a healthy, balanced diet vital for our nutrition, as we are unable to produce these substances ourselves.

Well known for its role in protecting the strength of your bones and teeth, calcium is also vital for nerve transmission and muscle function. We should aim to eat around 1,000 to 1,200 mg of calcium every day which we can find in dairy products and leafy green vegetables.

Potassium is essential for maintaining the healthy rhythm of your heart as well as to break down carbohydrates and to keep the blood at a stable pH balance. We should be consuming 4,700 mg of potassium daily, from meats such as beef and chicken, fish and from certain fruits and vegetables such as potatoes, cantaloupe melon and tomatoes.

Although some people believe that sodium is a bad thing because of its link to hypertension, in fact you need to consume around 150 to 500 mg a day to maintain correct fluid balance in your body's cells, to promote the function of your nerves and muscles, and to help the body to absorb nutrients.

Magnesium is incredibly important, supporting 300 biochemical reactions in your body, including maintaining heart, muscle and nerve health as well as strengthening bones and boosting immunity. It is recommended that you consume between 310 to 420 mg of magnesium a day from sources such as nuts, beans and green vegetables.

One of the lesser known minerals, phosphorus is nevertheless vital for bone and tooth health, and to help the body to repair cells. You should be consuming 700 mg every day by eating plenty of dairy products, meats and whole grains.

We generally consume chloride in its table salt form, sodium chloride, which makes it fairly simple to consume the recommended daily amount of 1,800 to 2,300 mg per day thanks to the high salt content of most of today's modern foods. Chloride is essential in the production of digestive juices and helps the body to balance its fluid levels.

Although these substances are only required in tiny amounts, they are nonetheless essential in supporting many of the vital functions of our bodies. These minerals include copper, selenium, zinc and mylobdenum to produce important enzymes and iron to enable effective transportation of oxygen through the bloodstream. Iodine is vital to support thyroid hormone production, while manganese is required to regulate blood sugar and to support the health of connective tissues and bone structures. Chromium also plays its part in regulating blood sugar levels while fluoride is well known for its role in aiding the health of your teeth.