Great article: 6 Vital Nutrients Women May Be Missing?

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As I’ve shared information on the nutrients we need most, I also wanted to include this great article on CNN’s site, offering additional information on women and vital nutrients.

 

Check it out

 

 

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Nutrients You Need Most – Part 5 Calcium

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Calcium

Key Benefits:

• Necessary for muscle function, nerve transmission and hormonal secretion
• Supportive structure for strong bones and teeth
• Reduces PMS symptoms
• May help maintain blood pressure

Best Food Sources:

• 1 cup skim milk (316 mg)
• 1 ounce almonds (70 mg)
• 1/3 cup tofu (434 mg)

Daily Intake:

• 1,000 mg

What is Calcium and what does it do?

 

Calcium is the most abundant mineral in the body. It’s found in some foods and added to others but like many other minerals, it’s also available as a dietary supplement. The body stores 99% of its calcium in bones and teeth to keep them strong. The rest is throughout the body in blood, muscle and intercellular fluid. The body needs calcium to help muscles and blood vessels contract and expand, to secrete hormones and enzymes and to send messages through the nervous system.

 

Where can I find out more about Calcium?

• For general information on Calcium:
  • Calcium: Medline Plus

• For more information on food sources of Calcium:
  • U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) National Nutrient Database

• For more advice on buying dietary supplements:
  • Office of Dietary Supplements Frequently Asked Questions: Which brand(s) of dietary supplements should I purchase?

• For information on the government’s food guidance system:
  • MyPlate
  • Dietary Guidelines for Americans

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