Benefits of Calcium

Calcium is a mineral contained in many popular foods in the American diet, including ice cream, cheese and milk, as well as some less-popular but healthy foods like broccoli and sardines. Your body puts calcium to use in many different ways, and the benefits of consuming the recommended daily allowance of calcium includes improved performance during exercise and fewer episodes of indigestion. Consider this information about the benefits of calcium from the University of Maryland Medical Center.

Bone Health

• Calcium, when taken along with vitamin D, can help prevent bone loss (osteoporosis), which commonly occurs in women after menopause but may occur in older men as well.

Healthy Teeth

• Calcium contained in healthy foods like milk, broccoli and sardines can improve your dental health by maintaining the layer of enamel on the surface of your teeth.

Healthy Babies

• Pregnancy and breastfeeding require mothers to consume extra calcium in order to provide the nutrients for healthy bone development in growing babies.

Antacid

• Calcium, in the form of calcium carbonate, can act as an antacid and help relieve heartburn or indigestion you might experience from eating too much fried or spicy food.

Muscle Function

• Consuming the recommended daily allowance of calcium can improve muscle function and reduce muscle problems, such as twitching and cramping during exercise.

Heart Health

• The muscles of your heart require calcium to pump in rhythm and at the right strength for blood to be delivered to all of your body parts.

Less PMS

• Women who take at least 1200mg of calcium every day may decrease the duration and severity of symptoms of premenstrual syndrome (PMS).