Global Wellness Digest

Calcium is the most abundant mineral in our bodies. It performs many vital functions throughout our body. Sufficient calcium is needed for healthy blood pressure, cancer prevention, healthy nerves and strong joints. Our bodies contain about 1.2kg to 1.4kg of calcium – mostly stored in our bones and teeth. In a calcium-deficient diet, the body will draw calcium from our bones (our body’s natural calcium bank) and may cause loss of bone mass and lead to osteoporosis. Calcium deficiency may also cause fatigue, dizziness, forgetfulness, dry scaly skin, numbness and muscle cramps. It is best to get your calcium from foods rather than supplements. John Hopkins Medicine 10-year research suggests that calcium supplements raise the risk of plaque build-up in arteries and heart damage. Calcium supplements come in the form of calcium carbonate, calcium citrate, calcium lactate, calcium gluconate and calcium aspartate. In this research, they also found that a diet high in calcium-rich foods appear to be protective of the arteries and the heart. Foods such as seeds, tofu, cheese, yogurt, sardines, beans, lentils, almonds, kale and fortified cereals are good daily calcium sources