Coronary heart disease, a culprit of heart attacks, is caused by the build-up of excess calcium of the arteries in the heart. In addition, certain foods that contain calcium can lead to plaque in the arteries, which leads to heart disease. The key is to get the correct amount of calcium from the right sources to prevent such adverse effects.
Function
Calcium is a mineral that is primarily located in the bones. Calcium is routinely lost through sweat and body waste, so the bones replenish themselves of calcium through food. A lack of calcium in the body can lead to osteoporosis, or a weakening of the bones. Calcium is also located in the bloodstream in small doses to regulate muscle contraction, nerves and the heartbeat. It can prevent colon cancer and keeps blood pressure at normal levels.
Misconceptions
According to the Healing Heart Foundation, there is a common misconception that people need to consume vast amounts of dairy products to nourish the body with calcium. However, dairy products are not the only source of calcium. In addition, the bones are already equipped with calcium stores. Solely taking large amounts of calcium supplements does not prevent osteoporosis, according to the Healing Heart Foundation. In addition, Dr. William Davis from Health Central, a website that features physician-reviewed health information, states that studies conducted in 2008 have found that consuming too much calcium may actually cause harm to the heart.
Dairy Products
Dairy products, with the exception of those made with skim milk, have high levels of saturated fat. Cheese, milk and yogurt are all examples. Saturated fat is dangerous to the body and leads to heart disease over time. Also, such products contain proteins that may actually block calcium absorption.
Supplements
According to Health Central, 1,200 mg is the average daily recommended calcium dosage. Calcium supplements are taken by individuals who feel that their diet lacks calcium, or by those who want to prevent osteoporosis. However, Health Central also states that a study completed in 2008 by the University of Auckland found that 1,000 mg or more of calcium a day puts such individuals at double the risk of getting a heart attack. An excess amount of calcium eventually builds up and constricts the coronary arteries.
Vitamin D
Health Central states that more focus should be directed to vitamin D, as it helps the absorption of calcium. Also, vitamin D alone increases bone density without the harmful effects on the heart that excessive amounts of calcium pose. If vitamin D is present in the diet, then calcium intake can be dropped to 600 mg a day, according to Health Central. Try eating vitamin D-rich fish twice a week.
Prevention/Solution
Other foods contain calcium that do not contain the saturated fat that causes heart disease. Eat leafy vegetables that are dark green in color on a daily basis. Not only do such vegetables contain calcium, but they do not contain any fat that puts strain on the heart. Drink an 8-oz. glass or orange juice for 500 mg of calcium. Bread also contains calcium. Dr. Davis from Health Central asserts that by eating foods that contain calcium, but without saturated fat, supplementation may not be needed. Therefore, heart disease caused by calcium may be prevented, because high doses are not consumed.
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