The correct option is (c).
Explanation
Nutrients such as vitamins and minerals are essential for various physiological functions. Their sources vary significantly between plant-based and animal-based foods. Iodine is a trace mineral critical for thyroid function, while Vitamin D is a fat-soluble vitamin essential for calcium absorption and bone health.
Statement-wise Analysis:
- Statement 1 is Incorrect: Ginger is a rhizome known for its anti-inflammatory properties and contains small amounts of Vitamin C, potassium, and magnesium. It is not a source of Vitamin D. Vitamin D is primarily obtained through synthesis in the skin upon exposure to sunlight or from dietary sources such as fatty fish, egg yolks, and fortified foods. Plant sources of Vitamin D are rare (mainly certain mushrooms exposed to UV light).
- Statement 2 is Correct: Marine animals are the richest natural dietary sources of iodine because they absorb it from seawater. Fish (such as cod and tuna), shellfish, and seaweed are excellent sources of iodine.
- Statement 3 is Correct: Spinach is a green leafy vegetable that serves as a source of iodine. While the iodine content in plant foods depends heavily on the iodine content of the soil in which they are grown, spinach is generally recognized as a vegetable source of this mineral, alongside its high iron and folate content.
Key Takeaway:
Iodine is primarily found in seafood (fish, seaweed) and plants grown in iodine-rich soil (like spinach), whereas Vitamin D is almost exclusively found in animal products or synthesized via sunlight, not in root vegetables like ginger.