Minerals are micronutrients; humans need to eat them in small quantities. Minerals assist body functions that range from bone strength to regulating the heartbeat.

Minerals, also called mineral elements. There are two categories of minerals: major minerals and trace minerals. The classification of a mineral as major or trace depends on how much of the mineral the body needs.

When plants take up the water through their roots, dissolved minerals from within the soil are absorbed by the plant.  When people eat plants, they are likely ingesting minerals found in the plant. Animals are able to concentrate minerals in their tissues, so meats and other foods derived from animals often contain a higher concentration of minerals.

Milk is a food source of calcium because animals ingest plant material that absorbs calcium from the soil.

Calcium, an essential mineral is often ingested through drinking milk.