Calcium is the most abundant mineral in your body, and it plays an essential role in your overall health. 99% of the
calcium in your body is stored in your bones and teeth.
The remaining 1% is distributed through your blood and soft
tissues and is essential to your good health.
- Bone growth and strength
- Muscle contraction
- Blood vessel contraction and expansion
- Hormone and enzyme secretion
- Blood clotting
- Transmitting messages throughout your nervous system
Your bones actually serve as an emergency storehouse
of calcium. If you don’t get enough calcium from the food
you eat, your body withdraws calcium from your bones to
support bodily functions. As a result, your bones can
become weak and brittle over time. This can lead to a
potentially crippling disease known as osteoporosis. According
to the National Institutes of Health, it is estimated
that ten million Americans, with 80% of them being women,
currently have osteoporosis.
Dairy products, such as milk, cheese, and yogurt are the
primary source of calcium in most people’s diet. While
dairy products are the main source of calcium, there are
other foods that can help contribute to your calcium needs.
- Leafy, green vegetables, such as broccoli spinach,
or kale
- Fish with soft, edible bones, including salmon and
sardines
- Pinto beans
- Tofu
- Oranges and calcium-fortified orange juice
- Fortified breads and breakfast cereals
The amount of calcium your body requires varies with age.
As you grow, the amount increases to help provide enough
calcium for healthy bone growth. Once adults reach the age
of 50, the amount increases again to help compensate for
bone loss due to the aging process.
