THE MANY HEALTH BENEFITS OF CALCIUM

DID YOU KNOW that in addition to creating strong bones and teeth, calcium plays a vital role in muscle contractions, even in the heart? Several studies suggest that low dietary intake of calcium is associated with an increased risk of developing hypertension and cardiovascular disease. In a Taiwanese study, calcium was even shown to have a protective effect against both gastric and colo-rectal cancers. And for women who get PMS, calcium has been shown to help with cramps and irritability. Most recently, calcium has gotten press for its effect on metabolism. According to a recent University of Tennessee study using mice, calcium appears to control how fat cells work. Mice receiving the most calcium made 51 percent less fat, broke down fat tissue three to five times faster, and gained up to 40 percent less weight than their deficient counter- parts. Now that’s a lot of health benefits!

But let’s focus on calcium and bone health, as this is where calcium makes its most profound impact. About 20 percent of bone is re-absorbed and replaced every year in the constant remodeling process of our bodies. When dietary intake is inad- equate, calcium is removed from our bones to make up for the loss in our bloodstream. Calcium deficiency contributes to osteoporosis, literally “porous bones.” This condition can become so severe that the bones break under the weight of the body. And there are few clues that you may have this condition, as symptoms are often absent until fractures occur. Getting enough calcium in early adulthood is vital for bones to reach their maximum density. As we age our bodies become less efficient at absorbing calcium, but the good news is that it is never too late to start taking supplements to slow bone loss and raise bone density. However, the key to receiving the maximum bone health benefits from calcium is in finding a quality supplement.

CORAL—A RICH SOURCE FOR CALCIUM

It really should not be surprising how many uses there are for calcium, as it is the most abundant mineral in the body. It has intricate interactions with nearly every other mineral on Earth, and works best if taken in conjunction with other trace minerals. You can get some calcium from certain foods, but unsustainable farming practices have depleted U.S. soil to the point that there is very little mineral content left in our food.

Coral contains a more broken down form of calcium, making it easier to absorb than other supplements. This is important for those over 50 who are less able to absorb nutrients. Coral is the product of coral polyps, a tiny sea anemone that takes in minerals from the ocean and deposits coral on the ocean floors. Because of this digestion process, coral calcium is unique in its ionic, easily absorbable form.

There are some coral supplements on the market that are harvested below sea levels, upsetting the ecological balance and destroying the living reefs. However, Coral Inc. manufactures Coral Complex, a supplement that is eco- logically safe. Coral Inc harvests only from ancient reefs that were geologically pushed above ground thousands of years ago. The care Coral Inc. takes in sourcing their calcium and the superior assimilation of the coral powder make Coral Complex one of the best calcium supplements you can find.