Vitamins are present in foods in extremely small quantities, but they
are essential for regulating body functions. Unlike proteins, fats, and
carbohydrates, they supply no energy, but some of them must be present in order
for energy to be utilized in the body.
Also, lack of certain vitamins causes deficiency diseases. Vitamins are
classified as water soluble and fat soluble.The water-soluble vitamins (the B
vitamins and vitamin C) are not stored in the body and must be eaten every day.
Foods containing these vitamins should be handled so the vitamins are not
dissolved into the cooking water and lost.
Minerals, like vitamins, are consumed in very small quantities and are
essential for regulating certain body processes. Minerals that must be consumed
in relatively large amounts—more than 100 milligrams daily—are called major
minerals. These include calcium, chloride, magnesium, phosphorus, sulfur,
sodium, and potassium. Minerals that must be present in smaller amounts are
called trace minerals. These include chromium, copper, fluoride, iodine, iron, manganese,
molybdenum, selenium, and zinc. Less is known about the functions of some of
the trace minerals. It is important to understand, however, that although small
quantities are needed by the body, too much of any of them can be harmful.
Sodium, a component of table salt, is well known as a health problem. Too
much sodium is thought to contribute to high blood pressure. Health authorities
try to convince people to reduce the sodium in their diets, primarily by
salting foods less.
[source: professional cooking sixth edition]
