Calcium

Tahini

Minerals perform a multitude of vital functions throughout the body from building new cells, conveyer of vital electrical stimuli along the nerves to activate the human body and many other important functions. Various common ailments can be attributed to a prolonged deficiency of a particular mineral. Natural foods provide all the essential minerals and trace minerals. Processed foods are often depleted in their supply of minerals and especially the trace minerals. Balance your life and body with the foods that give, not the foods that take away! (Minerals Introduction, Chapter Five Q, Page 147)

I love reading about facts and especially facts that I’m interested in. As I’m getting older I’m fascinated by what my body is doing, what it needs and what it doesn’t need. Calcium is one I’m asked about a lot and when eating a wholefood plant-based diet the questions are there as to are we getting all of the nutrients and are we getting enough?

So, here’s some facts about calcium…

Circulatory system: calcium regulates the heartbeat. Tahini is one of the richest natural calcium foods plus it is full of Vitamin E, also vital for the heart and entire circulatory system.

Digestive system: calcium is essential for the involuntary muscular movement of the digestive system (peristaltic action). Legumes, nuts, whole grains, seeds, vegetables and some fruits are a very good source of natural roughage.

Muscular system: muscles need calcium to contract and relax. Cramps are often due to a calcium deficiency. Eating yoghurt the night before a big race can prevent cramps. Carob is a very good source of calcium but chocolate inhibits calcium absorption.

Nervous system: calcium combined with magnesium is required for the transmission of nerve impulses to muscles. Almonds are an excellent magnesium and calcium food.

Skeletal system: calcium is the most important bone mineral and with 200 bones in the adult skeleton it is vital to ensure a regular supply of calcium. Various factors are important in regards to proper calcium absorption for a strong skeletal system:

• Exercise

• Vitamin D

• Restrict meat eating

• Phosphorus, Magnesium, Vitamin A, C & D

Immune system: calcium is required to increase the body’s general resistance to fight infections.

Joint system: calcium obtained from refined foods such as white bread, biscuits, some cereals and pasta can cause deposits within the joint system leading to improper repair of the joint tissues and can lead to conditions such as arthritis.

Repair system: calcium foods are essential for the repair of bone fractures and in combination with a regular daily supply of Vit D, sunlight plus foods such as almonds, tahini and fresh vegetables for the nutrients phosphorus, magnesium, zinc, silicon, fluorine, copper and Vit A and C the repair of fractures and other bone and skeletal disorders can proceed effectively.

Try a salad sandwich with natural cheddar cheese and a spread of tahini on rye bread for a great bone repair lunch, whilst sitting outside enjoying your half hour in moderate sunlight… that’s as good as it gets for natural bone repair on a regular daily basis.

This is sourced from the book Laugh with Health, The complete guide to health, diet, nutrition and natural foods, Manfred Urs Koch