CALCIUM
Think of calcium and you think of strong bones but did you know you can protect that gleaming smile with calcium, as it is important for healthy gums and teeth too. Calcium plays several important roles in cardiovascular health by helping to maintain a regular heartbeat, transmitting nerve impulses and regulating neuromuscular activity. It also helps to lower cholesterol, lower blood pressure and is essential in blood clotting. Suffer from muscle cramps? A little extra calcium will help prevent muscle cramps and promote proper muscle contraction. Calcium is involved in the activation of lipase, an enzyme which breaks down fats. The cells in your body rely on calcium to maintain proper cell membrane permeability and to keep your skin looking healthy.
The amino acid lysine is needed for calcium absorption.
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SOURCES
Dairy foods, salmon (with bones), sardines, seafood, almonds, asparagus, blackstrap molasses, brewer's yeast, broccoli, cabbage, cheese, collards, figs, kale, milk, oats, prunes, sesame seeds, soybeans, tofu, yogurt. Some herbs containing calcium are alfalfa, cayenne, chamomile, chicory, flaxseed, lemongrass, nettle, paprika, parsley, peppermint and rose hips.
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DEFICIENCIES
Calcium deficiency can lead to aching joints, brittle nails, eczema, elevated blood cholesterol, heart palpitations, hypertension, insomnia, muscle cramps, nervousness, numbness in the arms and/or legs, a pasty complexion, rheumatoid arthritis, rickets and tooth decay.
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