The body needs calcium to survive. Aside from making bones stronger, calcium is also responsible for regulating the heartbeat and completing nerve functions. To ensure that a healthy diet is in place, including plenty of calcium is necessary.
The Facts
It is common to hear that calcium is good for the body but understanding exactly why can be even more of a reason to eat healthier or take a supplement to ensure enough is being consumed each day.
- Tooth and Bone Health: When enough calcium is consumed, this creates stronger and denser bones. If bones are weak, they will break more easily. Think of calcium as a protective shield.
- An Additional Nutrient: Since the body does not naturally produce calcium, humans need to find different ways to get it. Through foods or supplements, this is how calcium enters the body and protects bones, blood circulation, and hormone distribution.
- Vitamin D Assistance: To absorb calcium, the body needs Vitamin D’s help. This is why the pair often go hand-in-hand. Both are needed to feel great and operate functionally.
- The Right Amount: There are calcium supplements sold over the counter, but these must be carefully taken based on body weight, age, and gender. There is such a thing as too much calcium intake, just like not having enough.
- Women Benefit Most: Naturally, women require more calcium because they experience premenstrual syndrome (PMS). Having enough calcium can help ease these symptoms and make that time of the month easier to endure.
Foods Rich in Calcium
Some of the best foods to eat are dairy products, salmon, edamame, and almonds. Including these in an average healthy diet will ensure enough calcium is being consumed and the body is getting what it needs to thrive.
Drinking a glass of milk is not the only way to get enough calcium, so understanding why this nutrient is important and how to get enough of it is essential. Calcium truly is fundamental to the human body and assists its functionality.