Calcium can indeed be called the 'King of Minerals', at least as far as the human body is concerned. Of all the various minerals that are present naturally in the human body, the mineral calcium is by far, the most plentiful.
Although calcium is present in the highest quantities amongst all minerals, it is not very evenly distributed in the body.
Almost all the calcium in our bodies (as much as 99%) is found in our bones and teeth. The remaining 1% of calcium flows freely in the blood stream.
Calcium Sources: Are You Getting Enough?
As per the recommended dietary allowances (RDA), men and women between the ages of 19 and 50 should have a minimum intake of 1000mg everyday.
If you are above 50, your daily intake increases to a minimum of 1200mg.
But why do you need to take so much calcium when it is so abundant in the body already? Read on to know why.......
The 6 Amazing Health Benefits of Calcium
1) Healthy Bones: The majority of your body's calcium is not stored in the bones just for nothing; it is this calcium that helps to strengthen the bones. By taking the recommended doses of calcium daily, from whichever calcium sources, you can stop bone loss and thinning, thus preventing osteoporosis and other bone deficiencies.
2) Healthy Teeth: Calcium is instrumental in making, and keeping your teeth healthy. A deficiency at an early age can cause your teeth to fall out very early in life. Yellowing of the teeth can also be associated with a deficiency, thus it is important to supplement if you want to maintain those pearly whites.
3) Alleviates Back Pain: Calcium has proved to be very beneficial in reducing back pain as it strengthens the bones and cartilages in the back.
4) Decreases High Blood Pressure: Even though only 1% of the total calcium is present in the bloodstream, it helps to lower high blood pressure considerably.
5) Eases Heartburn: Antacid tablets that contain calcium carbonate are the easiest remedy to reduce burning and uneasiness, which are both symptoms of heartburn.
6) Can't Sleep? Take Calcium: One of the many causes for insomnia is lack of calcium. Taking calcium can thus make you sleep like a baby, provided your insomnia is due to a calcium deficiency.
These are just the many useful health benefits that one can get from different calcium sources. The stores of calcium in our body are constantly utilized and absorbed for various functions, thus it is necessary to keep replenishing these stores.
This can be done from the following calcium sources.
Calcium Sources: Foods and Supplements
Foods Rich in Calcium: Dairy products, broccoli, almonds, figs, beans; are all very good sources of calcium. In spite of there being many natural calcium sources, an average American gets only about half the amount of daily calcium requirements from his diet.
Calcium Supplements: There are many types of calcium supplements available in the markets. A calcium supplement is the most convenient and easiest way of ensuring that you get your daily allowance of this essential mineral.
Choosing A Calcium Supplement
When choosing a calcium supplement, make sure you pick one that is made by a pharmaceutical GMP compliant maker. This ensures the safest calcium supplement for your use. One of the best way to get your calcium and improve your overall health dramatically is to use a cutting-edge multivitamin.
Do not buy any calcium supplement that has been derived from oyster shells, bone meal, or dolomite. These substances contain lead, which is very harmful to human health and should thus be avoided.
Of the various forms that calcium supplements are available in, calcium citrate is the best type to buy. Unlike calcium carbonate (which is also very popular), the citrate form is better absorbed by the body and is not required to be taken with food.
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