Calcium
The element of the human body structure.
Foods
Calcium is found in a variety of different types of food such as:
- Dairy products such as milk, cheeses, and yogurt.
- Fish such as sardines
- Dark leafy greens such as spinach, kale, turnips, and collard greens.
- Fortified cereals such as Raisin Brand and Corn Flakes.
- Fortified orange juice.
- Enriched breads and grains.
- Some vegetables and fruits such as broccoli and oranges.
- Some nuts such as almonds.
Interesting Facts
- Calcium is ESSENTIAL for both human and plant nutrition.
- 99% of calcium in your body is used up by the bones and teeth.
- Vitamin D intake with calcium is important so the bones can better absorb the calcium.
- Calcium also works with vitamin C to help maintain the right stomach acidity.
- Magnesium is another important partner of calcium, since it is a counter balance for nerve stimulation and relaxation.
- Calcium is the 6th most abundant mineral in the Earth's crust.
- Calcium also helps to moderate muscle action.
- Calcium is used in making cement.
- Calcium is also used for removing nonmetals impurities in alloys and as a reduction agent in other metals.
- Calcium in its pure form reacts vigorously with water and acids.
- The name "calcium" comes from a latin word "calsic" meaning "lime".
- Calcium has been known since the 1st century, but wasn't proved as an element until 1808.
- Calcium is a silvery white, soft alkaline earth metal.
- Calcium compounds are used in making lime, bricks, cement, glass, paint, and sugar.