The reality is that our body’s health and well-being depends on us taking good care of it, and nutrition plays a very important role in this.

One of the most important nutrients is calcium, with numerous health benefits, and is a key component of bones and teeth. In addition to calcium, a well-balanced diet that includes a variety of nutrients is important for overall health and wellness. A healthy diet doesn’t need to be fancy, it should just include a variety of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins, and should be low in added sugars and unhealthy fats.

The importance of good nutrition

Three basic roles that nutrients play in the body include: supplying energy, supporting bodily structure, and controlling chemical reactions. Our bodies utilize these processes to move, expel waste, breathe, grow, reproduce, detect, and react to our environment.

The body needs nutrients from six different classes to help it in staying healthy. These consist of lipids, proteins, water, vitamins, and minerals, as well as carbohydrates. 

Eating a balanced diet that includes a variety of different foods from all food groups can help ensure that you are getting the nutrients your body needs. Some specific benefits of good nutrition include:

• Reducing the risk of chronic diseases: A diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and other plant-based foods can help reduce the risk of chronic diseases such as heart disease, diabetes, and some cancers.
• Boosting energy levels: Good nutrition is important for maintaining energy levels. When you eat a balanced diet, your body has the fuel it needs to function properly and maintain energy throughout the day.
• Supporting cognitive function: Some nutrients, such as omega-3 fatty acids, are important for maintaining brain health and cognitive function.

The importance of nutrition lies in maintaining overall health and well-being. When the body is properly nourished, it is better able to function at its optimal level and protect itself against disease.

The Importance of Adequate Calcium Intake

Calcium benefits our bone and dental health greatly. It’s also crucial for other bodily processes like blood circulation and muscle control. Since calcium is not produced by the body, it must be obtained from the foods we consume. Our bodies require vitamin D to absorb calcium from food effectively. This is why a diet rich in calcium and vitamin D is extremely essential to fulfil the daily calcium requirement.

In case of calcium deficiency, our bodies extract calcium from the bones to help them function effectively. This weakens the bones over time and may cause osteoporosis, a condition in which bones become extremely brittle.

Our daily calcium requirement depends on age and the different stages of our lives. 

According to ICMR 2020 recommendations the recommended calcium dosage per day for different individuals is as follows:

Adults:

● Men: 1000 mg

● Women: 1000 mg

● Pregnant women: 1000 mg

● Lactating women: 1200 mg

● Infants: 300 mg

Children:

● Children (1-3y): 500 mg

● Children (4-6y): 550 mg

● Children (7-9 y): 650 mg

● Boys/Girls (10-12y): 850mg

● Boys/Girls (13-15y): 1000mg

● Boys/Girls (16-18y): 1050mg

How Calcium Supplements Help In Fulfilling The Nutritional Gap

Calcium supplements can help to fulfil the nutritional gap if you are not getting enough calcium from your diet. These are available in a variety of forms including tablets, capsules, and chewables. They can be taken orally and are usually absorbed well by the body. Calcium supplements are your solution to fulfilling your daily calcium requirements. 

Shelcal is one such calcium supplement that can supplement your diet and help you meet your required calcium intake and reap the multiple health benefits of calcium.