Calcium Sources

For years, milk has always been considered as one of the best calcium sources. But has science suddenly changed its stand on it?

Everyone's need for calcium is irrefutable, but milk as the greatest supplier is something that has become the focus of many arguments. Sure, dairy products such as milk are rich calcium sources, but they are rich sources of protein as well. While the body needs protein, it does not require as much of it as it does calcium. Experts believe that these famous calcium sources contain proteins that are responsible in producing the blood's acidic ash. Because of this, the body takes out calcium stored in the bones in order to neutralize the acid in the blood. Thus, too much protein in the body can lead to weaker bones.

There are several plants that are good calcium sources. Nuts, legumes, soy, citrus fruits, and everything green are just some of the calcium sources found in plants. Also, vegetables and fruits produce alkaline ash which does not mess with the calcium stored in the bones. Meat, fish, and dairy products are foods that produce acids and are thus not ideal calcium sources. Bone density decrease is mostly caused by high protein diets rather than deficient calcium intake.

A study made discovered that osteoporosis and other bone-related diseases are prevalent in countries with high dairy consumption. These countries are the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, and Scandinavia. Also, there have been reports that stated five factors as the major causes of osteoporosis. These factors are: caffeine, animal protein, tobacco, inactive lifestyle, and sodium.

Alarming studies reveal that there are a lot of misconceptions about calcium sources. It said that people who consume three glasses of milk in a day are as prone to fractures as those women who consume very little or none at all. And a greater risk for fractures was associated with people who drink more than three glasses of milk a day.

The battle against the good and bad of milk and other dairy products continue to confuse the general public today. While half of the American population is lactose intolerant, a number of them have managed to squeeze milk into their diet in the hope of not developing osteoporosis. However, for those who are not dairy fans at all, they are always other calcium sources around. You can take calcium supplements to ensure that you adhere to the required amount everyday.

To know what calcium sources work best for you, it is advisable that you see your doctor so he can help you draw out a diet plan. Remember, little may not be good enough, but it is definitely better than nothing at all.