 |
Calcium
Calcium, the promise, the controversy
The Promise
We've all heard that it keeps bones strong and helps prevent osteoporosis.
Perhaps you've heard that it may also protect against colorectal cancer. Now here's The Controversy
Years of advice seemed to be overturned in an instant last year, when the Women's Health Initiative (WHI) reported that volunteers who took a calcium supplement plus vitamin D were just as likely to suffer fractures as women given placebos.
But don't believe the mineral's negative press, Connie Weaver, PhD, a calcium expert at Purdue University told us:
That part of the WHI study was so riddled with flaws that its conclusions can't be trusted.
It turned out that many of the women in the study group weren't taking the pills, which only proves that if you don't take them, they don't work.
What's more, many in the placebo group were taking supplements (they were allowed to continue taking supplements they'd previously been using). Still, the researchers found that women who took the pills as recommended, had a 30% lower risk of hip fractures.
And the benefit was biggest in women older than 60, the age when fracture risk begins to climb.
Not only that, but a 2003 Dartmouth Medical School study found that volunteers with a history of adenomas (growths in the colon and rectum that can turn into cancer) had a 29% lower risk of recurrence when they took 1,200 mg daily.
"That doesn't prove it'll prevent colon cancer." "But it certainly suggests it will."
So...Who Needs It
People who avoid dairy:
Milk and other dairy products are the main sources of dietary calcium.
If you don't consume the equivalent of 3 cups of milk a day, you need to supplement.
And, just about everyone else:
A recent survey showed that 88% of women and 63% of men don't get enough from their food.
And, how much
1,000 to 1,200 mg daily.
Where to get it
In Natures Super Foods of course, but...
...if your diet is average, a multi won't provide enough.
Take a separate, singular supplement.
Good Sources:
Yogurt, plain, low-fat, 8 ounces = 415 mg
Parmesan cheese, 1 ounce = 390 mg
Macaroni and cheese, 1 cup = 360 mg
Eggnog, 1 cup = 330 mg
Soymilk, 1 cup = 300 mg
Milk, 1 cup = 290 mg
Swiss cheese, 1 ounce = 270 mg
Pink salmon, canned, 1/2 cup = 215 mg
Kale, 1/4 pound = 205 mg
Cheddar cheese, 1 ounce = 205 mg
Spinach, 1 cup = 180 mg
Tofu, one cube 2 x 3 x 1 inch = 155 mg
_________________________________________________________________
*** Our Featured Sponsors ***
Invest in Yourself ~ Living Longer & Living Younger ~ Just Click the Pic
Since I began using these products, I have lost 30 pounds and have succeeded in losing body fat and building leaner muscle.
I feel healthier, and far more energetic.
~ Earl Christy
Member of the New York Jets Super Bowl III World Championship Team
_________________________________________________________________
|
