Calcium sources, health benefits and uses

Calcium is an alkaline earth metal that was first prepared in its pure form by English chemist Humphry Davy in 1808. An entry featured on the Chemistry Explained website notes that calcium is the fifth most abundant element found in both the Earth’s crust and the human body.

Calcium plays an essential role in the human body. Dairy products such as milk, yogurt, and cheese are the primary sources of calcium. Likewise, nuts, seeds, and legumes contain high levels of the important nutrient.

Fishes like salmon and sardine are notably rich in calcium too. Calcium can also be found in great abundance in green leafy vegetables such as broccoli and spinach. Orange juice, cereals, and oysters as well as soybeans, almonds, black-eyed peas, and green peas are excellent sources of calcium as well.

Medicinal uses for calcium

Ninety-nine percent of the calcium in the human body can be found in the bones and teeth. Hence, the nutrient’s main function is to ensure the strength and integrity of the said organs. An article posted on the Organic Facts website also notes that calcium helps fortify the backbone and maintains the right shape of the body. The essential mineral is touted to reduce the risk of arthritis, osteoporosis, and osteopenia as well.

Calcium plays an important role in heart health too. Adequate calcium levels ensure that cardiac muscles contract and relax properly. Likewise, having enough calcium in the body prompts the nervous system to maintain an ideal pressure in the arteries. This effect reduces the risk of developing high blood pressure and apoplexy, a disease characterized by calcium accumulation in the carotid arteries following menopause.

The mineral is also found to cut the risk of developing colon cancer. Previous studies have shown that taking calcium supplements effectively inhibit both tumor and polyp growth. Taking calcium supplements at daily dosages of 1,500 milligrams may help mitigate the risk of developing the disease, according to an entry featured on the Botanical Online website.

Taking enough calcium is also vital in preventing premenstrual depression and various other symptoms such as dizziness, mood swings, and irritability. Likewise, calcium is found to work with magnesium to bolster the production of neurotransmitters. This mechanism explains why calcium is a potent nutrient against depression.

In addition, the mineral is touted to lower the odds of developing kidney stones and improve body weight. Experts have long established that calcium deficiency triggers the release of parathyroid hormone, which plays a central role in the onset of obesity. Maintaining adequate calcium levels prompt the bone to release the mineral into the bloodstream. This helps ensure hormonal balance and prevent excess weight from piling up.

The mineral is shown to promote muscle health as well. Adequate calcium levels in the bloodstream mitigates the onset of leg cramps during certain physical activities such as  stretching. The nutrient also speeds up wound healing.

Body systems supported by calcium

Calcium is particularly beneficial in maintaining bone and teeth health. The mineral is also helpful in promoting both the cardiovascular and digestive profiles. In addition, the nutrient is notably effective in supporting the kidneys, the brain, the muscles, and the female reproductive health.

Where to learn more

• Excess Calcium Intake Can Raise Your Risk of Cardiovascular Disease
• The Calcium Wars: Magnesium deficiency causes heart disease
• Calcium emerging as key nutrient for weight loss; coral calcium supplements can help you lose weight
• Calcium controversy explained – Vitamin K2 keeps calcium in your bones and out of your arteries
• Calcium deficiency causes bone fractures, kidney stones

Summary

Calcium helps prevent arthritis, osteoporosis, and osteopenia.

Calcium staves off cancer, high blood pressure, and obesity.

Calcium mitigates depression, kidney stones, and menstrual issues.

Calcium is particularly beneficial to the bones, joints, and teeth.

Calcium also supports the heart, muscles, and the digestive system.

Calcium maintains kidney, brain, and female reproductive health.

Sources include:

ChemistryeExplained.com

Botanical-Online.com

OrganicFacts.net