Calcium Rich Foods are Essential for a Strong and Healthy Human Body
Every healthy human being requires minerals so that their body can function properly. It is essential minerals that build our bodies strong. 
Minerals that are vital building blocks for our bodies include Calcium, Copper, Iron, Magnesium and Zinc. Calcium is the mineral used by our body to build strong bones. We receive these important minerals into our body by way of the foods we eat and the supplements we take each day.
Did you know that Calcium is the most abundant and important element found in our human bodies? Our bones and teeth are made of 99% calcium. Calcium is also necessary for the proper coagulation of our blood, and it also helps muscles to contract right, improves our cardiac action, and is necessary for milk production for nursing moms. When we become elderly our bodies have a reduced capacity to absorb calcium and we develop calcium deficiency in our bodies that can lead to disease. Individuals who do not consume enough foods high in calcium and also do not use calcium supplements can also develop calcium deficiency.
What does calcium deficiency feel like?
People with calcium deficiency may have symptoms such as muscle cramping, aches, twitching, spasms or muscle pain. They may suffer from insomnia, develop tooth decay, experience Premenstrual cramping if they are female, have increased blood pressure, have paler skin tone than normal, appear listless, develop dry or scaly skin, have coarse hair, brittle nails, and tire more easily. Children with calcium deficiency have poor growth patterns.
Women can experience bone thinning after menopause due to the decrease in hormones that would otherwise help keep a healthy level of calcium in the body. The decrease in estrogen also means that less calcium is being absorbed by the woman’s body, which may lead to Osteoporosis in her later years.
People who lead sedentary lifestyles (coach potatoes) can also lose bone density and calcium because of a lower than normal physical activity level. It takes both a regular level of physical activity and foods high in calcium to build strong, healthy bones and bodies.
Calcium rich foods include eating sesame seeds, soybeans, cheese, milk, yogurt, leafy green vegetables, whole grains and foods made with brewers yeast. A bone healthy diet means making sure that the meals and snacks we choose include milk products such as milkshakes, skimmed, semi-skimmed or whole milk, soy drinks or calcium enriched drinks. Cheeses highest in calcium include cottage cheese, fresh mozzarella, Feta, Camembert Cheddar, Edam and Danish blue cheese. Eat plenty of these vegetables that are high in calcium – Red kidney beans, Curly Kale, raw Watercress, Broccoli, Chick peas and Baked beans. Nuts are also a good source of calcium especially walnuts, sesame Seeds, hazelnuts, Brazil nuts, and almonds. Did you know that tofu contains calcium?
It is vital to the health of your body especially your bones that you consume enough calcium each day or use calcium supplements with your doctor’s advice.
