Calcium is vital!

Calcium is the most important mineral in the body and plays a vital role in many functions. The skeleton contains 99 percent of the body's calcium. In infancy and childhood, calcium is necessary for the development of teeth and healthy bones. This allows children to grow to their full height. In adulthood, calcium helps maintain good bone health.

The body does not produce calcium itself, so it must be supplied through diet or supplements. If the diet is deficient, the body will take calcium from the skeleton, which can lead to weakened bones and increased risk of bone diseases.

The interaction between bones and muscles

Bones and muscles work together to move the body. When muscles grow through exercise, the bones naturally strengthen to support them. A weak muscle cannot support a bone, and conversely, a weak bone can break under the strain of a strong muscle. The body constantly works to maintain this balance. Calcium enables muscles to move, contract, and relax. Low calcium levels can also cause muscle cramps.

Calcium has many functions in the body

Although bone health is very important, calcium also has many other roles in the body. It contributes to energy levels by moving between cells and plays a role in the cell division process. Calcium is also important for normal blood clotting and helps keep the blood healthy. Additionally, it is necessary for normal nerve transmission, allowing brain cells to communicate with each other. Calcium also acts as an enzyme in digestion.

Other vitamins support calcium

Calcium does not work alone. The body needs vitamin D and vitamin K2 to effectively absorb calcium and phosphorus. Try Aarja Health's calcium supplement, Calcium D3 + K2 with blueberry. It can be taken in the morning or evening.

Food sources of calcium

Most people know that dairy products are a good source of calcium. But which foods contain the most?

Calcium in cow's milk is easily absorbed by the body. You get about 300 mg of calcium in 250 ml of skim milk. Goat's milk contains around 327 mg per 250 ml. If you want dairy-free alternatives, you can choose calcium-fortified drinks like orange juice, soy drink, rice drink, or almond milk. These often contain around 300 mg per 250 ml – but always check the label.

Plain yogurt contains about 300 mg of calcium per 175 ml. When it comes to cheese, Parmesan is the richest in calcium – 28 grams provides about 242 mg. In general, hard cheeses contain more calcium than soft ones. Cheddar, Swiss cheese, and Gouda are good choices, with around 200 mg per 25 grams.

Did you know that beans are also a good source of calcium? White beans contain about 150 mg per 184 grams, while kidney beans and chickpeas provide around 75 mg in the same portion.

Spinach contains a lot of calcium but also oxalates that inhibit absorption. Instead, choose vegetables like kale and broccoli.

Fruits and nuts also contain some calcium. Fresh figs provide around 18 mg each, dried figs 15 mg. A medium-sized orange contains about 50 mg. Among berries, you can choose blackcurrants, blackberries, and raspberries. As for nuts, almonds provide about 75 mg per 60 ml. Almond spread is also a good option – 15 ml contains around 50 mg of calcium.

Calcium is essential for the skeleton and many other important functions in the body. Remember to eat a varied diet with calcium-rich foods, and consider supplements if needed.

Read more and order Aarja Health Calcium + D3 + K2 today!