Final answer:
Cocoa, whole grains, legumes, and shellfish contribute to adequate intake of the mineral magnesium, which is a major mineral essential for numerous bodily functions and must be obtained through diet.
Step-by-step explanation:
Cocoa, whole grains, legumes, and shellfish are all important dietary sources of the mineral magnesium, which is essential for many physiological processes in the human body. Magnesium is a major mineral, required in amounts larger than 100 milligrams per day, and plays a critical role in bone health, muscle function, and many other biochemical reactions.
Dietary sources of magnesium are varied, and in addition to the foods mentioned, include nuts, seeds, and green leafy vegetables. While the body cannot produce minerals by itself, consuming a diverse range of foods is key to ensuring adequate intake of essential nutrients like magnesium. Deficiencies in magnesium can lead to health issues, emphasizing the importance of a balanced diet. To avoid such deficiencies, it is important to include foods that are rich in minerals, such as those listed above, in one's daily diet.