Friday, June 15, 2012

Nutrition - Calcium



why milk is so good for you?
Well, there are lots of reasons, but it's mostly because it's a great source of calcium.




Calcium - Why Is it Good for You?

Did you know that calcium is a mineral that's already in your body?
It's what keeps your bones and teeth sturdy, but that's not the only thing that calcium does. It also helps your muscles work properly and ensures your nerves are able to properly transmit messages around your body.
Even your blood needs a healthy dose of calcium in order to properly clot (clotting happens whenever you cut yourself, as the blood hardens to stop the bleeding).
It's for those reasons that you need to have a lot of calcium running throughout your body, because if you start to run low, your body is forced to start taking the calcium out of your bones.
When that happens, your bones become weak, increasing your chances of developing osteoporosis (a disease that causes your bones to become extremely brittle).



Calcium - What Foods Can it Be Found In?

Obviously, milk and other dairy products are the best sources of calcium.
And low-fat dairy products are an excellent way to increase your intake of calcium without having to worry about the extra fat intake.
Not everybody likes dairy products though, and some people are even allergic to them. No problem - there are plenty of other sources of calcium!
Most green vegetables have a good amount of calcium in them, particularly spinach and broccoli.
There are even special kinds of orange juice and cereal that have been enhanced with calcium. If none of these options appeal to you, vitamin supplements are a quick and easy option.






Calcium - Did U Know?

Kids and teens need the most calcium cuz your bones grow the most during this time. The recommended daily intake of calcium for teens aged nine to 18 is 1,300 mg, or about three servings of dairy.

Calcium was discovered way back in 1808 by a scientist named Humphrey Davy, who named it after the Latin word calcis (it means lime).






Calcium is critical for lifelong bone health.
Having a calcium-rich diet when you’re young makes a big difference in health, now and later. a girl holding a glass of milk By getting the calcium they need now, tweens and teens will:
  • Strengthen bones now.
    Some researchers suspect that the rise in forearm fractures in children is due to decreased bone mass, which may result because children are drinking less milk and more soda, and are getting lessphysical activity.

    Making sure young people get the calcium they need will help strengthen their bones against the bumps and thumps of being an active teen.
  • Help prevent osteoporosis later in life.
    Osteoporosis is a condition that makes bones weak so they break more easily. Bones rely on calcium they store to stay strong throughout life. But, the "bone bank" for storing calcium is only open for a short time.

    Tweens and teens can help prevent osteoporosis by filling their bone banks with calcium when they are young, so that their bones can use it throughout life.