Calcium. So popular… so unknown!
Calcium is one of the most essential nutrients for our bodies, but it’s also one of the most misunderstood. Let us explain everything you need to know about calcium, from its role in our bodies to the best food sources.
What is calcium and why do we need it?
Calcium is a mineral that is essential for human health. It is required for the development and maintenance of bones and teeth. What you may not know, however, is that calcium is also important for other bodily functions, including muscle contraction, nerve function, and blood clotting. Calcium is also needed for proper cardiovascular, gastrointestinal, and renal function. Calcium is also involved in hormone secretion, cell signaling, and enzyme activity.
Most of the calcium in the body is stored in bones and teeth. Calcium is constantly being removed from and deposited into bone tissue in a process called remodeling. This helps to keep bones strong throughout life.
The body needs calcium to maintain optimal health, but many people do not get enough calcium from their diet. This can lead to calcium deficiency, which can contribute to osteoporosis (weak and brittle bones) and other health problems.
The best sources of calcium
Good sources of calcium include dairy products such as milk, cheese, and yogurt; certain leafy green vegetables; fish with edible bones; and calcium-fortified foods and beverages such as soy milk, orange juice, and cereal. Despite its importance, many people don’t get enough calcium in their diets.
There are many different sources of calcium, but not all of them are created equal. Here are some of the best sources of calcium:
- Dairy products: Milk, cheese, and yogurt are all excellent sources of calcium. If you’re lactose intolerant or don’t like dairy products, you can also get calcium from fortified soy milk or almond milk.
- Green leafy vegetables: Spinach, kale, and collard greens are all good sources of calcium.
- Fish with edible bones: Salmon, sardines, and herring are all good sources of calcium.
- Fortified foods: Some foods, such as cereal, orange juice, and tofu, are fortified with calcium. This means that they have had calcium added to them.
- Supplements: If you’re not getting enough calcium from your diet, you may need to take a supplement. Calcium supplements are available in tablet, capsule, or liquid form.
Calcium – the perfect eco-friendly supplement for your health
If you’re concerned about your calcium intake, talk to your doctor or a registered dietitian. They can help you determine how much calcium you need and how to get it from your diet or supplements.
Why calcium is often misunderstood
Calcium is the most abundant mineral in the human body and essential for the proper functioning of our cells, organs, and muscles. However, calcium is often misunderstood. Here are four common misconceptions about calcium:
- Calcium is only important for bones and teeth. While it’s true that calcium is essential for healthy bones and teeth, it’s also important for other tissues and organs in the body. Calcium is needed for proper muscle contraction, blood clotting, and nerve function.
- Dairy products are the only good source of calcium. While dairy products are a great source of calcium, they’re not the only source. Other good sources of calcium include leafy green vegetables, nuts, and seeds.
- You need to take a calcium supplement to get enough calcium. While calcium supplements can be helpful if you’re not getting enough calcium from your diet, it’s best to get your calcium from food sources. This is because calcium from food sources is absorbed better by the body than calcium from supplements.
- Too much calcium can be harmful. While it’s possible to get too much calcium from supplements, it’s very difficult to get too much calcium from food sources. This is because the body regulates how much calcium it absorbs from food.
The benefits of calcium
So, calcium is good for you. But did you know that calcium can also help you lose weight, improve your mood, and even fight depression? Here are just a few of the many benefits of this essential mineral:
Weight loss: Calcium can help to boost your metabolism and promote weight loss. In the study, participants who took a calcium supplement lost more weight than those who didn’t.
Mood enhancement: Calcium has been shown to improve mood and reduce stress levels. In one study, participants who took a calcium supplement reported feeling happier and less stressed than those who didn’t.
Depression: Calcium has been shown to be an effective treatment for depression. In the study, participants who took a calcium supplement reported feeling less depressed than those who didn’t.
There are many other benefits of calcium, including its ability to prevent osteoporosis, improve heart health, and even reduce the risk of cancer. So if you’re looking to improve your health in a variety of ways, make sure to include calcium in your diet!
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