Calcium is a major mineral essential for healthy bones and teeth. There are several minerals known to be essential to the human body and which must be obtained from food. The major minerals (calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, sodium, chloride and potassium) are needed in the greatest quantities or are present in large amounts in the body. The three main functions of minerals are as constituents of the skeleton, as soluble salts which help control the composition of the body fluids, and as essential adjuncts to the action of many enzymes and other proteins.

Saturday, September 27, 2008

Calcium - Are You Getting Enough?

Calcium is an important part of a healthy diet. Calcium is the fifth most common element of the mass in the human body. Calcium is an important factor to keep your body running smoothly. It is essential for a variety of functions, such as the creation and maintenance of bones and teeth, blood clotting, transmission of nerve impulses, and the regulation of cardiac rhythm. Calcium is also in muscle contraction, blood clotting and maintaining the cell membranes.

Calcium plays an important role in building stronger bones early in life and that they are strong in later life. Consuming enough calcium and vitamin D execution and regular physical activity are important for maximum bone density and strength. Such "structural" exercises include walking, dancing, running, weight lifting, stair climbing, racquet sports and hiking. Calcium is important for good health and can help you enough, the risk of osteoporosis. People typically lose bone as they age, despite consumption of the recommended intake of calcium is required for optimum bone health. Teenagers, young women and postmenopausal women in particular are most commonly consumed as much less calcium than their body needs.

Although is a mineral that is essential for life, the majority of Americans do not receive adequate calcium on a daily Base. Food sources are the best way to ensure optimal calcium intake. Calcium requirements depend in part upon whether the body grows new bone or milk. Dietary needs vary throughout life and the grate in times of growth and pregnancy. Diet high in calcium, sodium-increasing losses in the urine.

Many foods contain calcium, but dairy products are the main source. Food and drinks contain high-calcium milk and other dairy products. If drinking 3-1/3 cups of milk per day does not appeal to you, you can calcium from a variety of other dairy and nondairy sources. Milk is actually only one of many sources of calcium. Other dairy products like yogurt, most cheeses, buttermilk and are excellent sources of calcium and are low fat or fat free /no-fat versions. Most populations receive about half their dietary calcium from milk and other dairy products products.

There are many foods besides dairy products that contain calcium. Dark green leafy vegetables also contain calcium, but it is not so readily absorbed as calcium from dairy sources. Dairy products are high in calcium, while certain green vegetables and other foods contain calcium in smaller quantities. These include green leafy vegetables, broccoli, nuts, seeds, beans, cheese and dried figs. Other sources of calcium are salmon and sardines canned with their soft bones.

Milk and dairy products are the graten sources of calcium, but eating a variety of foods is the best way to ensure a reasonable amount. Now more than ever, there are a variety of foods and beverages that contain calcium. There are many who fortified with calcium. Some juices, breakfast foods, soy milk, cereals, snacks, bread and bottled water have been endowed with this necessary nutrient.

Calcium is an essential nutrient our body needs every day. It is one of the most important elements in the diet because it is a structural component of bone, teeth, and soft tissues and is essential in many of the body's metabolic processes. Calcium is the most abundant minerals in the human body. Remember that calcium is important for several bodily functions, so that enough is the basic prerequisite for good health.

By Karen M. Goller, fitness and aerobics Author

 

Karen Goeller is the author of the Swing Set Fitness books, the Gymnastics Drills and Conditioning books, and many additional products. Karen Goeller is the author of more gymnastics books than anyone in the USA. Besides being a well known author, Karen Goeller writes fitness programs and offers training through the web. For more information on Karen Goeller visit http://www.KarenGoeller.com For more information on her fitness books visit http://www.SwingWorkouts.com For more information on her gymnastics books visit http://www.GymnasticsBooks.com

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Karen_Goeller

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