It also helps build strong, healthy teeth, for chomping on tasty food. This mineral helps build strong bones, so you can do everything from standing up straight to scoring that winning goal. CalciumĬalcium is the top mineral when it comes to your bones. Let's take a closer look at some of the minerals you get from food. Some minerals are even used to make hormones or maintain a normal heartbeat. The body uses minerals to to many things - from building strong bones to sending nerve impulses. Like vitamins, minerals help your body grow and stay healthy. Well, yes, but small amounts of some minerals are also in foods - for instance, meat is a good source of iron. Aren't minerals something you find in the earth, like iron and quartz? Did you ever notice how TV commercials for breakfast cereal always mention vitamins and minerals? But when you think of minerals, food isn't the first thing that comes to mind.