Minerals are inorganic substances that the body needs in very small quantities. There are twenty two metallic elements in the body which make up about 4 percent of total body weight.

Minerals are found abundantly in the soil and water of the planet and eventually are taken in by the root systems of plants. Human beings obtain minerals by eating the plants or by eating the animals that eat the plants. If you eat a variety of meats and vegetables in your diet, you can usually depend on getting a sufficiency of minerals.

The minerals in the body play a part in variety of metabolic processes and contribute to the synthesis of such elements as glycogen, protein, and fats.

Calcium is one of the most abundant minerals in our body.

Calcium makes up our bones and teeth, helps regulate heart rhythms and transmission of nerve impulses, aids in lowering cholesterol, muscle growth, the prevention of muscle cramps and aids in normal blood clotting.   Calcium provides energy, helps breakdown fats, maintains proper cell membrane permeability and helps keep skin healthy.

When calcium is in short supply you symptoms include aching joints, eczema, elevated blood cholesterol, heart palpitations, brittle nails, hypertension (high blood pressure) and insomnia.

Best food sources include milk, all cheeses, soybeans, sardines, salmon, peanuts, walnuts, sunflower seeds, dried beans, kale, broccoli, collard greens.

Calcium works best with vitamins A, C, D, Iron, Magnesium and Phosphorus (Although too much phosphorus can deplete calcium).

Excess calcium supplementation can lead to mineral imbalances and hypocalcaemia.

Recommended dosages of calcium are usually 1000mg to 1200mg per day with a maximum level not to exceed 2500mg a day.  It is also wise to maintain 2 parts calcium and phosphorus to each part magnesium.