In a recent BBC news article a study has been conducted which claims calcium supplements can increase the risk of heart disease.
Calcium is important I our diets because it helps promote healthy bone growth and reduce the risk of osteoporosis. Osteoporosis is a disease most commonly caused in menopausal women but can be found in all age ranges.
The disease affects the density of bones and can also be known as ‘brittle bone disease’. There are many ways in which this can be prevented without the need of calcium supplements.
The National Osteoporosis Society believes that people can get enough calcium through their diets without necessarily needing to use supplements. The body does not produce calcium which is why it is important to eat calcium rich foods. Dairy foods are a rich source of calcium in the diet, but there are other foods that also contain calcium. When we eat the soft bones of fish, as with sardines, pilchards and tinned salmon, they supply us with valuable calcium.
Other useful sources include soya bean products, such as tofu, as well as sesame seeds, nuts, white bread, dried fruit, pulses and green leafy vegetables. Okra and curly kale are especially good vegetable sources of calcium. Some products are fortified with extra calcium, such as soya milk alternatives, bottled water, breakfast cereals and orange juice.
There are other ways to help increase bone density and there are plenty of studies which confirm that doing weight bearing exercise will help decrease the risk of osteoporosis.
At ActivZone Gym in Guildford we understand the importance of using specific exercises to help prevent and improve all sorts of health related problems, which can occur through a sedentary lifestyle. With highly qualified instructors we can design a detailed and precise exercise program for people of all abilities and ages.
Feel free to pop in any time or call us for more information about the benefits of weight bearing exercise and reducing the risk of osteoporosis.
