This is What You Need to Know About Calcium

Now we have all heard about calcium and how important it is for our diets but, have you ever wondered why calcium is so crucial and exactly what does it do for your body? These questions are going to be answered as we discuss this key mineral.

Shutterstock | Milk with cookies is always a great combo

The Wonders of Calcium

Children are usually advised to drink milk from a young age because it is rich in nutrients such as calcium. What makes this mineral so essential is the fact that it actually adds up to 2% of your entire body weight. It’s also one of the most found minerals in the bones and teeth.

Calcium benefits in muscle functioning, regulating blood flow, and many other vital functions. Usually, women and teenagers do not fulfill their calcium requirement, which leads to potential bone and joint issues, like osteoarthritis and osteoporosis, for instance.

Your bone density is dependent upon your calcium intake– meaning that a well-rounded diet, with an adequate amount of minerals and vitamins, can help in building and storing calcium. As we age, the human body goes through changes, mainly hormonal ones, that result in lowering of the bone mass. Scientists have concluded that calcium combined with Vitamin D can benefit in better bone density.

Shutterstock | Try to gain your daily calcium requirement

More Than Just a Bone Strengthener

You’d be thrilled to know that there is more to calcium than just strengthening your bones and teeth. According to the studies conducted by Cancer Research UK, Women, which had incorporated a good amount of calcium in their diets, were less susceptible to developing breast cancer. Another Norwegian Study backed these claims. It stated that around 50,000 Norwegian women who had higher calcium intake, from their childhood to adult life, had lower chances of developing breast cancer.

Studies that were conducted to discover the multiple benefits of calcium also indicated that it plays a role in lowering the LDL cholesterol levels (Low-Density Lipids), which are harmful as they have the potential to block the arteries and eventually leading to high blood pressure and cardiovascular problems.

The Best Calcium Sources

Now that we’ve gone over the many benefits of Calcium, the question arises on what are the best sources of calcium. This mineral is naturally occurring in dairy, vegetables, non-dairy kinds of milk، and fish. Pharmaceutical companies have released various supplements that can provide calcium and combine it with additional vitamins and mineral that benefits the body. However, too much of everything can be dangerous, which is why you should consult a doctor before taking or changing a supplement.

Shutterstock | Never self-diagnose or medicate- always consult a doctor.

Calcium is highly important for the human body and everyone should start including it in their diets, especially for young children.