Written by Narelle Muller
Narelle Muller discovers big benefits of this most essential mineral.
It is common knowledge you need calcium for strong bones and teeth, but this key mineral is also imperative to many other body functions. For example, did you know calcium helps reduce the risk of colon cancer? Or that it may assist in weight loss?
Women, especially, tend to be deficient in calcium and consequently are more prone to osteopenia and osteoporosis (degrees of bone thinning) as they get older. Calcium comprises two percent of the average adult’s body weight. While 99 percent of our calcium resides in our bones and teeth, the other one percent is vital for other needs, such as nerve transmission and muscular function.
Other benefits of optimal calcium absorption include:
Strong heart muscles: Calcium plays an important role in ensuring heart muscles contract and relax properly. Adequate intake can also reduce the risk of cardiovascular diseases.
Ideal blood pressure: Regular consumption of calcium through natural source or supplements helps to regulate pressure and treat hypertension.
Healthy pH levels: The body pH refers to the relative acidity/alkalinity of body fluids. Sometimes we need to reduce overall acidity in the body, such as after eating sugar or junk foods. Calcium assists in lowering pH.
Hormonal balance: Low calcium and vitamin D levels can trigger PMS. Calcium consumption may lessen the symptoms of PMS and depression. It is believed the interaction of vitamin D and calcium helps to regulate oestrogen and progesterone.
Optimal weight: In some circumstances, calcium may assist with fat loss. A body deficient in calcium may send the wrong signals to stimulate increased release of parathyroid hormone, which encourages production and storage of fat. Calcium also helps to rev up our metabolism.
A healthy colon: Adequate calcium may help reduce the risk of colon cancer and it has been suggested it may suppress the growth of pre-cancerous polyps.
No kidney stones: Modern science shows calcium helps protect against these painful stones which are made of crystallised calcium and other minerals and may develop in the urinary tract.
Reduced risk of type-2 diabetes: Reasons remain unclear, but studies suggest calcium supplementation reduces the risk of this disease.
Cellular functionality: Calcium assists the free movement of nutrients across cell membranes. Even if you are not deficient in other nutrients, the correct level of calcium is important to ensure their cellular entry and uptake.
Go green
Choosing a calcium supplement is no straightforward deal. There are so many types to choose from, all claiming to do the job.
Not only do the varieties have different names, but they also come from varying sources, with degrees of absorption and not surprisingly, a range of prices.
When it comes to nutrition, experts usually advise we get our bodies’ required minerals and vitamins primarily from food sources.
This means that a plant-based supplement could be ideal for increasing calcium intake such as Green Nutritionals Calcium – a natural multi-mineral food substance sourced from organic marine plants. It is highly alkaline and in powder form so can be easily mixed into drinks and meals. It’s readily absorbed into the body and can also be taken as a capsule for convenience.
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