The year 2020 has been a wake-up call in more ways than one. And since then we have all been taking concrete steps towards health and fitness. Food plays an important role in this. According to health experts around the world, a balanced dietary regime helps in promoting a healthy body and mind. A well-balanced diet refers to our daily diet, which includes all the essential nutrients – calcium being one of them. Inclusion of calcium in our regular diet is dubbed to prevent bone loss in later life. Calcium deficiency can make bones brittle and weak – in older people it can lead to problems such as arthritis and osteoporosis. In addition to promoting strong bones and teeth, did you know that calcium can also help with heart health?! You read it right
Read also: Calcium Foods: An Ultimate Guide to Calcium-Rich Foods
Health Benefits of Calcium: How Calcium Promotes Heart Health:
According to a recent study published in the journal ‘Science Translational Medicine’, calcium A regular rhythm and overall health of the heart muscle has been termed as essential.
Researchers at Osaka University found that a previously unknown mutation can lead to a condition called dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM), which is characterized by dilation of the heart’s chambers and a pumping dysfunction. It is considered one of the main causes of heart failure. They also identified a gene called BAG5 that is important for handling calcium in heart muscle cells. Through two parallel experiments, the researchers hypothesized that mutations that abrogate the function of BAG5 could lead to cardiomyopathy — explaining why calcium is important for good heart health.
He is not everything. Several studies around the world have also found that calcium can aid in weight management, boost immunity, and more. Considering the above factors, let us say, include an adequate amount of calcium in your daily diet to maintain overall health.
Read also: Looking for calcium rich food? Try These 7 Desi Foods
calcium for heart health
Calcium-rich foods: 5 daily food choices for your daily calcium fix:
1. Milk:
Milk is probably the most popular source of calcium. According to the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), a regular glass of milk (250 ml) contains about 300 mg of calcium.
2. Chickpeas:
Apart from protein, gram is also rich in calcium. Suggests the USDA, one-and-a-half cups of chickpeas contain about 315 milligrams of calcium, along with filling fiber and protein.
3. Almonds:
Almonds are considered a superfood, as they are rich in nutrients. In addition to protein, fiber, minerals and vitamins, a 3/4-cup serving of almonds can load you up with about 320 milligrams of calcium, states the USDA.
4. Chia Seeds:
Another popular superfood option, about three tablespoons of chia seeds contain more calcium than a glass of milk.
5. Leafy Greens:
Experts recommend consuming spinach, bok choy, mustard greens, etc. as two cups of green leaves contain about 394 milligrams of calcium, suggests the USDA.
We also found some delicious recipes to help you incorporate calcium into your daily diet in as delicious a way as possible. click here for recipes.
Note: These food suggestions are not part of the study.
Disclaimer: This material, including advice, provides general information only. It is in no way a substitute for qualified medical opinion. Always consult a specialist or your doctor for more details. NDTV does not take responsibility for this information.
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