Whenever we see someone with bright, strong teeth, we’ll eventually think, “Ah, they’re a calcium-rich person.” While that is partially true, Calcium isn’t just limited to it. The benefits of Calcium are diverse and beyond just being a vital nutrient for our teeth and bone.
Speaking of bones, 90% of the Calcium content in our body is constituted by the bones. Moreover, Calcium also is important for our brain to enrich our muscle movements. Plus, Calcium has a lot of good,ness and today, we will be seeing how the teeth-oriented mineral works beyond this.
How Important is Calcium?
Factually, Calcium accounts for about 2% of our body weight. It helps and is necessary for muscular contraction, protein absorption, neuron function, and blood-related disorders. When it comes to blood pressure, we all know if it dips too low, the bones suffer. This is where Calcium comes into the scene as it helps the blood pressure return to normal.
Health Benefits of Calcium
While there are various health benefits of Calcium, the below three are considered to be the most essential:
1. Prevents Cancer
Among all cancer types, breast cancer and colon cancer are becoming highly common these days. Many women are prone to this risk, and doctors are working their way to solve this deadly rise. Surprisingly, in a recent study, it was found that 50,000 Norwegian who consumed milk extensively during their childhood have lower breast cancer risk. As we know, milk is rich in Calcium, which denotes that Calcium plays a major role in cancer prevention.
Additionally, Cancer Research UK found that women whose Calcium intake were high showed a lesser risk of breast cancer. Speaking of colon cancer, in a Korean study, it was found that around 16% of colon cancer risk could be reduced if Calcium is consumed regularly.
2. Bones and Teeth
This is a commonly-known benefit, but we want to add what you should be aware of. Never skip breakfast, as it can weaken the bone destiny. Calcium is richly present in most foods, but when it’s taken during breakfast time, it works wonders.
Moreover, teens and young adults must be very cautious in skipping breakfast because 90% of our bone density is formed during our 20s. The more we age, the more our bone density gets weak. So, intake Calcium rich food and sources to keep your bones and of course, teeth strong.
3. Heart
When we speak of the benefits of Calcium, we can’t miss out on the human heart. Cholesterol is one of the leading causes of heart stroke. Ideally, everyone must try to lower their cholesterol levels for a healthy heart. But how would you do that? Well, Calcium is there.
By the intake of rich Calcium, which is present in low-fat dairy products, one can control their Cholesterol level. Additionally, Calcium is also said to help blood pressure which in turn prevents heart diseases. Notably, if a pregnant woman intakes Calcium, it helps both her and the baby to have a healthy blood level.
What to Do to Get the Most Calcium?
To get the most benefits of Calcium, one must ensure that every day you intake Calcium through foods and supplements. Here is a list of widely available Calcium sources which you can make use of.
- Milk
- Fresh green leaves like spinach
- Vegetables like Broccoli, Okra
- Beans and Lentils
- Yoghurt
- Cheese
- Fig
- Fish like Sardines
- Supplements (combining 800mg dose of Calcium with Vit D is highly beneficial for bone)
- Tofu
- Sweet potatoes
- Butternut Squash
- Almonds
- Rhubarb
Remember that young boys should get about 1000mg of Calcium every day while girls require 800mg. For adults, everybody needs at least 700mg of Calcium each day. Children can take up to 530mg. On the other hand, pregnant women and breastfeeding mothers must take 1250mg of Calcium every day.
Final Thoughts
Calcium is a wonderful nutrient for our body but if you’re taking it through a supplement, then ensure a doctor prescribes it for you. You can also prepare a diet chart if you tend to forget to take those supplements. That said, have a healthy day and take in your Calcium right away.
Also Read: 6 Fascinating Benefits of Honey That You Ought to Know