- Strong bones and teeth: Calcium is a primary building block for bones and teeth. It helps in the growth and development of bones, making them strong and healthy.
- Muscle function: Calcium is involved in muscle contraction and relaxation, making it critical for proper muscle function.
- Nerve function: Calcium helps in the transmission of nerve impulses, allowing the brain and body to communicate effectively.
- Blood clotting: Calcium is essential for the formation of blood clots, which can help to stop bleeding in case of an injury.
- Hormonal secretion: Calcium is involved in the secretion of hormones such as insulin, which helps to regulate blood sugar levels.
- Maintaining a healthy weight: Some studies have suggested that calcium can aid in weight loss and weight management by reducing fat absorption and increasing fat metabolism.
- Preventing osteoporosis: Adequate calcium intake, along with other nutrients like vitamin D, is critical for preventing osteoporosis, a condition where bones become weak and brittle.
- Lowering blood pressure: Some studies have suggested that calcium may help to lower blood pressure in people with hypertension.
It’s worth noting that the benefits of calcium are most effective when consumed through a balanced and healthy diet. Dairy products, leafy greens, and fortified foods are all excellent sources of calcium.
A deficiency of Calcium can cause
- Osteoporosis: Calcium deficiency can lead to osteoporosis, a condition in which bones become weak and brittle, increasing the risk of fractures.
- Rickets: A condition that affects children where bones become weak and soft due to a lack of calcium and vitamin D.
- Osteomalacia: A condition that affects adults where bones become weak and soft due to a lack of calcium and vitamin D.
- Hypocalcemia: A condition where there is a low level of calcium in the blood, leading to muscle cramps, seizures, and other symptoms.
- Tetany: A condition where there are involuntary muscle contractions due to a low level of calcium in the blood.
- Cardiac arrhythmia: A condition where there is an irregular heartbeat due to a low level of calcium in the blood.
- Osteopenia: A condition where bones become less dense due to a lack of calcium.
- Tooth decay: Calcium is important for dental health, and a lack of calcium can lead to tooth decay.
- Muscle cramps: Calcium deficiency can lead to muscle cramps, particularly in the legs.
- Insomnia: Some studies have suggested that calcium deficiency may be linked to insomnia, a condition where a person has difficulty sleeping.
- Preeclampsia: A condition that affects pregnant women and can lead to high blood pressure and other complications. Calcium supplementation during pregnancy may reduce the risk of preeclampsia.
- Colorectal cancer: Some studies have suggested that low calcium intake may increase the risk of colorectal cancer.
- Kidney stones: Calcium is important for kidney function, and a lack of calcium can increase the risk of kidney stones.
- Hypertension: Some studies have suggested that low calcium intake may be linked to high blood pressure.
- Ovarian cancer: Some studies have suggested that low calcium intake may increase the risk of ovarian cancer.
- Alzheimer’s disease: Some studies have suggested that low calcium intake may be linked to an increased risk of Alzheimer’s disease.
- Parkinson’s disease: Some studies have suggested that low calcium intake may be linked to an increased risk of Parkinson’s disease.
- Multiple sclerosis: Some studies have suggested that low calcium intake may be linked to an increased risk of multiple sclerosis.
- Asthma: Some studies have suggested that low calcium intake may be linked to an increased risk of asthma.
- Depression: Some studies have suggested that low calcium intake may be linked to an increased risk of depression.
It’s important to note that calcium deficiency is not the only cause of these conditions and that other factors may also be involved. A balanced and healthy diet that includes calcium-rich foods can help to prevent calcium deficiency and reduce the risk of these conditions.
Rich Source of Oil Per Serving
Oil Type | Calcium Content (per 50g serving) | Calories per 50g Serving |
---|---|---|
Sesame Oil | 9mg | 420 |
Poppyseed Oil | 8mg | 450 |
Mustard Oil | 6mg | 440 |
Soybean Oil | 5mg | 380 |
Sunflower Oil | 4mg | 440 |
Peanut Oil | 4mg | 420 |
Canola Oil | 4mg | 440 |
Olive Oil | 3mg | 420 |
Coconut Oil | 3mg | 475 |
Corn Oil | 2mg | 420 |
Rich Source of Vegetables Per Serving
Here are twenty vegetables that are good sources of calcium, along with their calcium content and calorie count per serving of 50 grams:
Vegetable | Calcium Content (per 50g serving) | Calories per 50g Serving |
---|---|---|
Collard Greens | 180mg | 10 |
Turnip Greens | 136mg | 12 |
Kale | 130mg | 17 |
Bok Choy | 105mg | 6 |
Broccoli | 47mg | 16 |
Okra | 45mg | 16 |
Chinese Cabbage | 40mg | 8 |
Mustard Greens | 38mg | 8 |
Watercress | 40mg | 4 |
Spinach | 30mg | 12 |
Fennel | 28mg | 9 |
Dandelion Greens | 25mg | 8 |
Rhubarb | 22mg | 6 |
Leeks | 20mg | 17 |
Beet Greens | 16mg | 6 |
Sweet Potato Leaves | 16mg | 12 |
Artichoke | 10mg | 25 |
Asparagus | 10mg | 9 |
Cabbage | 10mg | 10 |
Carrots | 7mg | 20 |
Rich Source of fruits Per Serving
Fruits are generally not high in calcium, but there are a few that can provide a small amount of calcium in the diet. Here are twenty fruits that contain calcium, along with their calcium content and calorie count per serving of 50 grams:
Fruit | Calcium Content (per 50g serving) | Calories per 50g Serving |
---|---|---|
Figs | 35mg | 37 |
Oranges | 20mg | 23 |
Kiwifruit | 17mg | 29 |
Blackberries | 16mg | 19 |
Dates | 15mg | 125 |
Prunes | 14mg | 52 |
Mulberries | 14mg | 27 |
Tangerines | 12mg | 25 |
Pomegranates | 11mg | 33 |
Apricots | 9mg | 20 |
Raspberries | 9mg | 16 |
Grapefruit | 8mg | 18 |
Guava | 8mg | 23 |
Grapes | 6mg | 29 |
Pineapple | 6mg | 22 |
Passionfruit | 6mg | 25 |
Papaya | 5mg | 23 |
Mangoes | 5mg | 29 |
Cantaloupe Melon | 4mg | 18 |
Peaches | 4mg | 21 |
Rich Source of Herbs Per Serving
Herb | Calcium Content (per 50g serving) | Calories per 50g Serving |
---|---|---|
Basil | 80mg | 13 |
Thyme | 57mg | 26 |
Parsley | 56mg | 13 |
Sage | 47mg | 28 |
Oregano | 43mg | 23 |
Marjoram | 40mg | 25 |
Dill | 38mg | 16 |
Coriander (cilantro) | 37mg | 6 |
Spearmint | 36mg | 7 |
Rosemary | 29mg | 24 |
Peppermint | 27mg | 10 |
Chervil | 22mg | 14 |
Lovage | 22mg | 17 |
Lemon balm | 20mg | 15 |
Tarragon | 19mg | 17 |
Savory | 16mg | 18 |
Bay leaves | 15mg | 33 |
Cumin | 15mg | 166 |
Turmeric | 14mg | 29 |
Nutmeg | 10mg | 200 |
Daily Consumption Chart
Age Group | Calcium Intake (mg/day) |
---|---|
Infants (0-6 months) | 200-260 |
Infants (7-12 months) | 260-400 |
Children (1-3 years) | 700 |
Children (4-8 years) | 1000 |
Adolescents (9-18 years) | 1300 |
Adults (19-50 years) | 1000 |
Adults (50 years and older) | 1200 |
Pregnant and lactating women | 1000-1300 |
Side effects of the overdose
While calcium is an essential nutrient for the body, excessive intake of calcium can lead to a condition known as hypercalcemia, which can cause a variety of side effects. Here are some of the potential side effects of taking too much calcium:
- Constipation
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Abdominal pain
- Dry mouth
- Excessive thirst
- Fatigue
- Muscle weakness
- Confusion or difficulty thinking clearly
- Headaches
- Irregular heartbeat
- Kidney stones
- Reduced absorption of other minerals such as iron, zinc, and magnesium
It’s worth noting that the likelihood of experiencing these side effects depends on the degree of calcium overconsumption and individual factors such as age, sex, and health status. If you are concerned about the amount of calcium you are consuming or are experiencing any of these side effects, it’s important to speak with a healthcare professional.