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Calcium in the Human Body: Significance and Benefits. Video
Calcium is one of the most important trace elements for human health. Present in all tissues and body fluids, it participates in basic life processes and is necessary for their normal course.
The importance of calcium for the human body
Since calcium is the main element of bone tissue, its sufficient content in the body is important for the proper formation and development of the bone framework and prevention of bone fragility. Pregnant and lactating women and children especially need calcium during the period of active growth. In older people, calcium deficiency is a common cause of osteoporosis.
The processes of excitation and inhibition in the brain and their balance directly depend on this element – calcium is involved in the transmission of nerve impulses. Calcium is also important for the normal permeability of cell membranes and blood vessels, and therefore plays an important role in the normal metabolism.
In order for the baby’s teeth to grow strong and beautiful, the mother needs to take care of a sufficient amount of calcium in his body.
The stability of the nervous and cardiovascular systems, blood clotting, muscle contraction, the production of necessary hormones and enzymes and their activity – all this also depends on calcium. Possessing antiallergic properties, calcium reduces the manifestations of allergic reactions and is used for the prevention and treatment of diseases such as Quincke’s edema, bronchial asthma, urticaria, hay fever, and so on.
Calcium helps to rid the body of salts of heavy metals and radionuclides, lowers blood pressure, ensures sound and healthy sleep, relieves fatigue and stress, and has a positive effect on overall well-being.
Calcium deficiency in the body
Lack of calcium in the body can lead to:
- rickets;
- curvature of bones;
- scoliosis;
- growth retardation in children and adolescents;
- blood clotting disorder;
- various allergic reactions;
- the formation of kidney stones;
- fragility of capillaries.
Caffeine, nicotine and alcohol contribute to the intensive removal of calcium from the human body and lead to its deficiency
People who are chronically deficient in calcium often experience involuntary muscle contractions, bleeding gums and tooth decay, are more susceptible to infections, and do not tolerate physical and mental stress.
After 30 years, the human body begins to lose calcium especially intensively, and if the problem of deficiency of this trace element is left unattended for a long time, then not only does the appearance (condition of teeth, skin, hair and nails) and mood deteriorate, but there is also a huge risk of developing serious diseases and shortening life expectancy.
Calcium is absorbed best at night, since it is at night that the parathyroid glands work especially actively
For those who constantly work indoors, do not forget that vitamin D is needed for the absorption of calcium, which is produced by the body under the influence of the sun. Lack of calcium and vitamin D is the cause of such serious diseases as osteoporosis and osteomalacia – softening of the bones (sometimes osteomalacia is also called “adult rickets”).
In addition, a lack of calcium can cause an incurable neurological disease – multiple sclerosis. Most often, this ailment develops after 40 years, but with an acute calcium deficiency it can occur earlier.
What foods contain calcium?
Calcium is found in:
- dairy products;
- sunflower seeds;
- nuts;
- green;
- dried fruits;
- soybeans;
- cheese;
- seafood;
- fish;
- fruits;
- vegetables.
Of vegetables, young turnips with tops, spinach, onions, carrots, cucumbers, beets, green beans, celery, dill and parsley are especially rich in calcium, from berries and fruits – gooseberries, blackberries, currants, grapes, strawberries, strawberries, grapes, oranges, peaches , pineapples, cherries. Bran, honey and dairy products are an excellent source of calcium for the body.
High amounts of calcium are found in sesame seeds and rooibos tea
Calcium is best absorbed by the body from those foods in which it is contained in combination with other beneficial trace elements and vitamins – phosphorus, magnesium, vitamins D, C, B9, and so on. When these products enter the body, useful substances interact with each other and are absorbed more easily than separately.
A healthy compound of calcium, vitamin D and phosphorus is found in mackerel, pink salmon, sardines, and herring. Rich in these microelements are butter, egg yolk, beef and fish liver, as well as most seafood – shrimp, seaweed, lobster, crabs and others.
A compound of calcium and phosphorus is found in large quantities in white cheese, cottage cheese, celery, green peas, lettuce, radishes, cabbage, wheat grains, legumes, fresh cucumbers, and apples.
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