10 Amazing Benefits of Calcium

Introduction

Calcium is one of the most important nutrients for the proper functioning of the human body. It plays different roles in various essential processes. From strengthening your bones to maintaining your mobility of muscles, calcium has got you covered! It’s safe to say that calcium is required to improve the overall performance of the human body. 

Calcium is mostly found in fruits and vegetables which are easily available across the globe. This includes kale, broccoli, nuts, seeds, and fortified plant-based milk alternatives. Calcium is also associated with blood clotting that helps in healing wounds and regulation of hormones in the body. 

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10 Amazing Benefits of Calcium

In this blog, we are going dive into the benefits of calcium that can help you overcome any health issues.

Formation and maintenance of bones

Calcium plays a vital role in the formation and maintenance of strong and healthy bones. It is required for the synthesis of bone tissue. During bone formation, specialized cells called osteoblasts use calcium to create the mineralized matrix that gives bones their stability and structure. Calcium is also necessary for the proper functioning of osteoblasts, ensuring the constant renewal and repair of bone tissue. Adequate calcium intake throughout life helps maximize peak bone mass, which is crucial during childhood and youth when bones are still developing. Furthermore, retaining sufficient calcium levels in adulthood and older age helps control the loss of bone density. 

Keeps your teeth strong

Calcium is necessary for the development of teeth. It is a primary element of tooth enamel, the hard outer layer that protects teeth from decay and damage. This along with phosphate ions, forms hydroxyapatite crystals, which gives enamel its strength and hardness. It also helps in maintaining healthy gums. Adequate calcium levels in saliva cater to saliva’s defensive properties, such as neutralizing acid, remineralizing enamel, and promoting a healthy oral environment. 

Helps in flexibility of your muscles

When a nerve signal reaches a muscle, it activates the release of calcium ions from the sarcoplasmic reticulum, a specialized structure within muscle cells. The existence of calcium ions is necessary for muscle contraction to occur. Calcium binds troponin, which is located on the thin filaments of muscle fibers. This binding causes a conformational change in troponin, allowing it to move tropomyosin away from the binding sites on the actin filaments. The repeated formation and release of cross-bridges give way to the actin and myosin filaments to slide. And that is how a muscle contraction takes place. This contraction generates the force necessary for muscle movement.

Aids in Blood Clotting

When a blood vessel is damaged, a series of intricate reactions begin to form a clot and prevent excessive bleeding. This process is initiated by Calcium ions. Calcium also helps to activate platelets, triggering their accumulation and adhesion to the site of injury. Additionally, it is essential for the cross-linking of fibrin molecules, strengthening the clot structure. After the clot is formed, the clot gradually shrinks and pulls the edges of the damaged blood vessel closer together. This process is functioned by platelets and their contractile proteins, which require calcium for optimal function.

Cardiovascular Health

When an electrical signal activates a heartbeat, calcium ions enter the cardiac muscle cells, which leads to contraction and the subsequent ejection of blood from the heart chambers. Calcium ions are concerned with the regulation of the heart’s electrical activity, securing a coordinated and regular heartbeat. It also helps maintain the tone and flexibility of blood vessels, including arteries and veins. Additionally, it supports vascular health by promoting endothelial function. Endothelial cells line the inner walls of blood vessels and aid regulate vascular tone, blood flow, and the prevention of blood clot formation. 

Regulates Hormone 

Calcium is necessary for proper thyroid function. The thyroid gland produces thyroid hormones, which regulate metabolism. It is responsible for insulin secretion from the pancreatic beta cells. When blood glucose levels rise, calcium enters the beta cells and triggers the release of insulin. Calcium also influences the regulation of gonadal hormones, such as estrogen and testosterone. Adequate calcium levels are necessary for normal reproductive function and the production of sex hormones. And lastly, it is involved in the regulation of the adrenal hormones, which are important for stress response, electrolyte balance, and other physiological processes.

Aids in Colon Health

Calcium is concerned with controlling cell growth and differentiation in the colon. This helps maintain the integrity of the colon lining and supports the overall health of the colon. It helps in suppressing abnormal cell growth and boosting programmed cell death (apoptosis) in colon cells. Additionally, it sustains the rhythmic contractions and relaxations of the colonic muscles, facilitating regular bowel movements and healthy digestive processes. This antioxidant trait of calcium can protect colon cells from oxidative damage, which leads to the development of various colon diseases.

Keeps you in shape

Some studies recommend that higher calcium levels in the body can help subdue appetite and foster feelings of fullness, leading to decreased calorie consumption. Calcium contributes to thermogenesis, which is the body’s process of producing heat and burning calories. This leads to increased energy expenditure and potential weight loss. It also interferes with the absorption of dietary fat in the intestines. Higher calcium levels help regulate adipocyte differentiation and function, which results in body fat accumulation.

Modulation of blood pressure

Calcium is indirectly involved in blood pressure regulation through its impact on blood volume. It contributes to the normal functioning of the kidneys and then helps maintain fluid balance by reabsorbing or excreting water and sodium, which can influence blood pressure. Apart from this, it is involved in the regulation of the autonomic nervous system, which plays a role in blood pressure control. Calcium affects the supply and secretion of hormones such as aldosterone and parathyroid hormone, which can impact blood vessel constriction.

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Conclusion

In conclusion, calcium is an essential mineral that plays a multitude of critical roles in the body. It has an adverse effect on the heart, hormones, nervous system, bones, teeth, and blood pressure. Ensuring adequate intake of calcium in your regular diet will invite overall well-being for your body.