10 Reasons Why Calcium-Rich Foods Should Be a Part of Your Daily Diet

 Calcium is an essential mineral that is vital for good health. It is necessary for many of your body’s functions, such as muscle movement, blood clotting, and nerve signaling. Calcium is also essential for keeping your bones and teeth strong

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. According to registered dietitian Anthony DiMarino, many Americans aren’t getting enough calcium in their diet

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. It is best to obtain sufficient calcium through dietary sources, such as dairy products, green leafy vegetables, and tofu

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. However, a doctor may recommend calcium supplements if you are not getting enough calcium from your diet

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. Here are some reasons why calcium-rich foods should be a part of your daily diet:

1. Strong bones and teeth: Calcium is essential for building and maintaining strong bones and teeth
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2. Muscle function: Calcium is necessary for muscle function, including muscle movement and contraction
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3. Nerve signaling: Calcium is essential for nerve signaling, which helps your body communicate with itself
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4. Blood clotting: Calcium is necessary for blood clotting, which helps your body stop bleeding when you get a cut or injury
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5. Lower risk of developing conditions involving high blood pressure during pregnancy
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6. Lower blood pressure in young people
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7. Lower blood pressure in those whose mothers consumed enough calcium during pregnancy
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8. Improved cholesterol values
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9. Lower risk of colorectal adenomas, a type of non-cancerous tumor
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10. Calcium supplements of more than 200 mg daily and intake of high-calcium dairy foods will likely decrease the risk of colorectal cancer
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It is recommended that adults consume at least 1,000 mg of calcium per day, though certain groups require a higher amount, including adolescents, postmenopausal women, and older adults

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. Good sources of calcium include dairy foods like milk, yogurt, and cheese, calcium-fortified foods (such as soy products), and leafy green vegetables

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clevelandclinic

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medicalnewstoday

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webmd

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dentalassociatesnova

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draxe

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healthline

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healthline

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betterhealth

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harvard

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nih