Nutrition and activity work together to keep the body healthy, and having a well-balanced diet is the foundation.
Calcium should be a focus when maintaining a balanced diet; It is a vital micronutrient in our day-to-day lives and is critical in supporting physical activity levels. It’s not only significant for building strong bones, but it also helps the body overall.
Calcium has a role in the following:
Brain function
Developing strong bones
Helping blood to clot
Muscle contraction
Sending signals to nerves
An adequate amount of calcium is essential for exercise and sports performance, whether the athlete focuses on strength training or endurance. For example, athletes running a long distance must consistently build solid and stable muscles around their bones to prevent injury. And undoubtedly, the bones must be strong to take the impact of pounding the pavement, asphalt, or treadmill.
Not having enough calcium can increase the risk of bone fractures and diseases such as osteoporosis, which thins the bones. If we do not supply our bodies with enough calcium from our diet, it will extract the needed nutrients from our bones. Be sure to consider the foods you eat, as it is necessary to maintain a sufficient amount of calcium.
Sources of calcium:
Almond butter
Beans (pinto)
Cheese (cheddar, cottage)
Eggs
Fish (salmon, sardines)
Fruits
Milk
Nuts & Seeds (Almonds, Flax, sesame)
Vegetables (celery, leafy greens)
Yogurt