Calcium is also very important for staying healthy. It is found in abundance in dairy products. But people easily believe many myths related to calcium. Let's know the truth of those myths from the experts
All kinds of nutrients are very important for the body to function properly and to stay healthy. Calcium also plays a very important role in this. It strengthens the teeth and bones, which reduces the risk of fractures if you fall. But apart from this, it is beneficial for our health in many ways.
Calcium is found in good quantities in dairy products like milk and curd. Everyone must have heard this. It is also said that people who are lactose intolerant do not get calcium properly in their body. But this is just a myth. Let us know from the experts. They have their opinion on many such myths.
Myth: Calcium only makes bones stronger
Truth: Dr Rohit Sharma, Consultant Internal Medicine at Apollo Spectra Hospital, said that it is wrong to think that the function of calcium is only to strengthen bones. Apart from bones and teeth, calcium performs many other important functions in our body. It is also involved in the process of blood clotting, helps muscles to function properly, keeps the heartbeat normal and also helps in sending and receiving messages from the brain. If our body does not get the right amount of calcium, not only bones become weak, but muscle cramps, fatigue and heartbeat can also become irregular.
Foods containing calcium ( Credit : Getty Images )
Myth: If you are lactose intolerant, your body cannot absorb calcium properly
Fact: Many people are allergic to milk and some dairy products. So in this condition, supplements are not the only way to get calcium. Peanuts, sesame, almonds, oats, broccoli, soy products and green leafy vegetables also contain a lot of calcium. Today, many foods such as orange juice and tofu are also rich in calcium, these are called calcium fortified.
Myth: Calcium supplements should be taken with milk
Truth: Many people believe that calcium supplements are effective only when taken with milk. But experts say that it is better to take calcium carbonate with food, while calcium citrate can be taken on an empty stomach. Some supplements may be less effective when taken with milk due to their elements. Therefore, calcium or any supplement should always be taken as per the advice of a doctor.
Calcium is also found in these foods ( Credit : Getty Images )
Myth: Calcium is found only in diary products
Truth: Experts said that this is absolutely wrong. Milk, curd and cheese are definitely good sources of calcium, but spinach, white sesame seeds, chia seeds, kidney beans, vegetables (okra, broccoli), fish and eggs also contain calcium in good quantities. Therefore, vegetarian people can also fulfill their calcium needs with the right diet.
Myth: Children need calcium only for physical development
Fact: Calcium is very important not only for the growth of children's body, but also for keeping their bones, teeth, muscles, nervous system and heart healthy. It also helps in maintaining the balance of electrolytes in the body and in the proper functioning of hormones. Calcium deficiency at an early age can increase the risk of problems like osteoporosis in the future. It can also cause problems in growth.
Myth: Osteoporosis only affects the elderly
Fact: Osteoporosis is more common in the elderly, but this disease is not restricted to any particular age. It can also occur in young people due to lack of nutrition, taking too many medicines, hormonal problems, genetics or starting periods at an early age. Women whose periods stop early are also at risk.
