Calcium is considered one of the most essential nutrients for the human and animal body. The body needs calcium for the development of healthy bones and teeth and that is where it is in large contents. Other organs that require calcium include the nerve cells, in the blood, body tissues, and in other bodily fluids.
It is important for the body to take in lots calcium and including foods that are rich in calcium in your diet is one way to do it. A number of foods are rich in calcium to choose from and this makes it easy for you to provide the body with the much required calcium level you need in your body everyday. Although all the labels on foods can tell you how much calcium is contained, there re foods that are known to contain high levels of calcium, like for example milk and its products which includes cheese and yoghurts. Vegetables like spinach and kales, fruits like oranges, grains like peanuts, beans and peas among others, salmon and sardines, sesame seeds, almonds, brown sugar and tofu all contain a good percentage of natural calcium.
Health Benefits of Calcium
It enables your body to develop strong bones and teeth and in turn helps prevent diseases like osteoporosis. This is mainly caused by depleted calcium levels in the body and without the sufficient level the body becomes more than just weakened in the bones and teeth.
Calcium helps in maintaining the right body weight by preventing weight gain. In case of insufficient calcium levels in the body, the body goes into the starvation mode and begins to release calcium into the blood and this in turn stimulates the fat production and storing.
Intake of sufficient calcium reduces the risks of ovarian and breast cancer.
It helps in the stimulation of contractions of the uterus and milk production during childbirth.
It protects the heart and reduces chances of you getting a heart attack and prevents high blood pressure.
It helps ease the premenstrual syndrome symptoms and improves premenstrual moods.
High dietary calcium intakes decrease the risk of developing kidney stones.
Symptoms of Calcium Deficiency
- Muscle twitching and aching.
- You experience sudden cramps.
- High blood pressure.
- Gum diseases and loose teeth.
- Insomnia.
- Arthritis.
- Premenstrual cramps.
- Rickets in children where the bones are weak and abnormally flexible.
- Sunken chests also common in children.
Doctors and nutritionists highly encourage people to watch their calcium intake because of the health risks associated with its deficiency. It is advised that if milk products are not desirable, one can take in other foods like cereals and vegetables that are rich in calcium. Calcium supplements are also available worldwide in drug stores without prescriptions in a broad range of strengths and preparations. They can act as a healthy substitute for foods and milk products. However, it is always advisable to consult a physician prior to taking the supplements so he can advice you on the best dosage.
Calcium is one of the most essential mineral but we have the tendency to overlook it the most which can lead to serious health conditions.
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