And for many of us, calcium supplements are a surefire way to reach our goals.
Why you need calcium
In the land of calcium benefits, bone health is king.
After all,calciumsupports skeletal health, theNational Association for Osteoperosissays.
But your body actually needs the nutrient for a number of equally important functions.
In addition to your bones, yourheart, muscles, hormones, and nervesall require calcium to function properly.
The mineral also provides a host of benefits outside of maintaining your bodys status quo.
Candace O’Neill, RD, is a dietician with the Cleveland Clinic’s Executive Health Program in Florida.
Women51 and oldershould aim for 1,200 milligrams each day.
Its Amazing How Its All Connected.
When it comes to calcium, more doesnt mean better.
What happens to all the extra calcium?
Thats why, in addition to daily intake recommendations, calcium also comes withupper limits.
Other studies have linked calcium supplements to an increased risk forcolon polyps,kidney stones, andcardiovascular events.
If milk is what immediately comes to mind when you think calcium, its for good reason.
Commonly known calcium-rich foods are dairy, such as, milk, yogurt, and cheese, says ONeill.
Heres the kicker: getting enough calcium is actually a two-step process.
Candace O’Neill, RD, is a dietician with the Cleveland Clinic’s Executive Health Program in Florida.
First, you must eat foods that contain calcium, and then your body must absorb the nutrient.
For optimal calcium absorption, it is important to have sufficient levels ofVitamin D, explains ONeill.
And, well,Vitamin D isnt easy to geteither.
Only a handful offoods contain vitamin D, says ONeill.
…
Got it, you’ve been added to our email list.
