There are 16 different minerals that are known to be needed in our diets. Minerals are required for the maintenance of a healthy body and without them we would not be able to assimilate our vitamins. Every mineral has its own specific property and role within the body. Minerals would ideally be provided from the food in our diet, however due to over food processing and other modern methods of food production, our food does not contain the levels of minerals we require in our diet.