Minerals are vital inorganic substances necessary for life and bodily functions.
Word in 30 Seconds
- Essential inorganic elements for life.
- Found in food, water, and earth.
- Crucial for bodily functions and health.
Overview
矿物质（mineral）是指自然界中存在的、具有特定化学成分和晶体结构的无机物质。在生物学和营养学领域，矿物质特指对生命体生长、发育和维持正常生理功能所必需的无机元素。它们不像碳水化合物、脂肪和蛋白质那样提供能量，但它们在体内扮演着不可或缺的角色，参与新陈代谢、维持体液平衡、构成骨骼和牙齿、传递神经信号等多种重要功能。常见的矿物质包括钙、铁、锌、钾、钠、镁、磷等。
在日常语境中，“矿物质”通常作为名词使用，指代食物中或人体所需的无机成分。它可以单独使用，也可以与其他词语组合，如“矿物质水”、“膳食矿物质”、“微量矿物质”等。在谈论健康、饮食和营养时，“矿物质”是核心词汇。例如，“这种蔬菜富含多种矿物质。” 或 “为了补充钙质，我需要摄入足够的矿物质。”
“矿物质”一词常见于以下语境：
与“矿物质”相似的词语包括“元素”、“营养素”和“无机物”。
- 元素 (yuánsù)：元素是构成物质的基本单位，如氢、氧、碳等。矿物质可以看作是人体必需的某些元素及其化合物，但“元素”的范围更广，不一定都对人体必需。
- 营养素 (yíngyǎngsù)：营养素是指食物中能被机体利用、维持生命、生长和健康的物质。它包括宏量营养素（如碳水化合物、蛋白质、脂肪）和微量营养素（如维生素、矿物质）。因此，“矿物质”是“营养素”的一个重要类别。
- 无机物 (wújīwù)：无机物是指不含碳氢键（通常不包括CO, CO2, H2CO3, 碳化物, 氰化物等）的化合物。矿物质属于无机物的范畴，但“无机物”是一个更广泛的化学概念，包含了所有非有机化合物。
Examples
牛奶富含钙质，是一种很好的矿物质来源。
everydayMilk is rich in calcium, a great source of minerals.
缺乏铁质会导致贫血，因此需要关注膳食中的铁矿物质摄入。
formalIron deficiency can lead to anemia, so attention should be paid to the intake of iron minerals in the diet.
这款矿泉水里加了很多矿物质，喝了对身体好。
informalThis mineral water has added a lot of minerals, which is good for your health.
地质学家研究地球的矿物质组成，以了解其形成历史。
academicGeologists study the mineral composition of the Earth to understand its formation history.
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
矿物质补充剂
mineral supplements
地壳矿物质
minerals of the Earth's crust
矿物质含量
mineral content
Often Confused With
Minerals are often composed of specific elements, but 'element' is a broader chemical term. For example, oxygen is an element, but it's not always considered a mineral in the nutritional sense on its own.
Minerals are a category of nutrients. Nutrients also include macronutrients (carbs, fats, proteins) and vitamins. So, all minerals are nutrients, but not all nutrients are minerals.
Grammar Patterns
How to Use It
Usage Notes
In nutrition and health contexts, 'mineral' refers to essential inorganic elements. In geology, it refers to naturally occurring inorganic solids with a defined chemical composition and structure. The CEFR A2 level usage primarily focuses on the nutritional aspect.
Common Mistakes
Learners might confuse minerals with elements or vitamins. It's important to remember that minerals are inorganic, while vitamins are organic. Also, minerals are a subset of nutrients.
Tips
Understand Mineral Roles
Minerals are essential for many body processes like bone health, nerve function, and fluid balance.
Avoid Mineral Imbalance
Too much or too little of certain minerals can cause health problems. Consult a doctor for guidance.
Mineral Water Popularity
Mineral water, rich in beneficial minerals, is a popular beverage choice in many cultures for health reasons.
Word Origin
The word 'mineral' comes from the medieval Latin 'minerale', meaning 'substance obtained from the earth'. It relates to 'mine' and things found underground.
Cultural Context
In many cultures, mineral water is consumed not just for hydration but also for perceived health benefits due to its mineral content. Traditional diets often emphasize foods rich in specific minerals considered vital for well-being.
Memory Tip
Think of 'minerals' as the 'minimum' essential inorganic building blocks your body needs, like tiny stone pieces (minerals) for your internal structure.
Frequently Asked Questions
4 questions矿物质是构成地壳和生物体的无机化合物。它们是生命必需的元素，对维持身体健康至关重要，但它们本身不提供能量。
常见的矿物质包括钙、铁、锌、钾、钠、镁、磷等。它们在人体内扮演着多种重要角色。
矿物质是无机元素，而维生素是有机化合物。两者都是人体必需的微量营养素，但它们的化学性质和在体内的作用方式不同。
可以通过均衡饮食来获取矿物质，比如多吃蔬菜、水果、全谷物、奶制品和瘦肉。不同食物含有不同的矿物质。
Test Yourself
为了身体健康，我们不仅需要维生素，还需要摄入足够的______。
句子强调了除了维生素之外的必需营养素，矿物质是其中之一。
以下哪项不是矿物质的主要功能？
矿物质本身不提供能量，能量主要由碳水化合物、脂肪和蛋白质提供。
构成 / 身体 / 必需 / 矿物质 / 重要 / 的 / 元素
这个句子符合语法和逻辑，表达了矿物质对身体的重要性。
Score: /3
Summary
Minerals are vital inorganic substances necessary for life and bodily functions.
- Essential inorganic elements for life.
- Found in food, water, and earth.
- Crucial for bodily functions and health.
Understand Mineral Roles
Minerals are essential for many body processes like bone health, nerve function, and fluid balance.
Avoid Mineral Imbalance
Too much or too little of certain minerals can cause health problems. Consult a doctor for guidance.
Mineral Water Popularity
Mineral water, rich in beneficial minerals, is a popular beverage choice in many cultures for health reasons.
Examples
4 of 4牛奶富含钙质，是一种很好的矿物质来源。
Milk is rich in calcium, a great source of minerals.
缺乏铁质会导致贫血，因此需要关注膳食中的铁矿物质摄入。
Iron deficiency can lead to anemia, so attention should be paid to the intake of iron minerals in the diet.
这款矿泉水里加了很多矿物质，喝了对身体好。
This mineral water has added a lot of minerals, which is good for your health.
地质学家研究地球的矿物质组成，以了解其形成历史。
Geologists study the mineral composition of the Earth to understand its formation history.
