Calcium and Women’s Health

calciumCalcium and women’s health have long been linked, and now a recently published study in the journal Osteoporosis International has found that there is no connection between calcium supplementation and increased risk of cardiovascular disease.

For the study, researchers examined 74,245 women who were part of the Nurses’ Health Study. Calcium supplement usage and incident cardiovascular disease among all these participants was recorded.

Researchers noted that, not only did the women who consumed calcium supplements have no increased risk of CVD, but they had lower levels of trans fat, smoked less, and were more physically active than women who didn’t take any such supplements.

“Calcium is an essential nutrient most widely used for its bone health benefits, and government data show most Americans don’t get enough,” said Duffy MacKay, N.D., Senior Vice President for Scientific and Regulatory Affairs, Council for Responsible Nutrition. “We encourage continued studies on calcium’s safety and benefits, but this study should help women feel confident that calcium supplements are an appropriate choice if they are not getting enough from food alone.”  Continue reading “Calcium and Women’s Health”

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Boost Bone Health with Synergistic Calcium and Vitamin D

Bone GuardianA couple of months ago, we wrote a blog about the powerful antioxidant potential when you combined ellagic acid and quercetin. This week’s dynamic duo is calcium and vitamin D for bone health. For many, this vitamin and mineral combo is well known to help prevent osteoporosis, but sometimes a reminder is a good idea.

Vitamin D is the main regulator of bone-building calcium absorption. Without it, your bones won’t get the full benefit of the calcium you consume. According to betterbones.com, without enough vitamin D the body absorbs 65% less calcium. The benefits of calcium and vitamin D extend beyond osteoporosis. Research out of Harvard Medical School found that premenopausal women with the highest intakes of vitamin D and calcium had a 30% lower risk of developing breast cancer!

So how can you ensure that you are getting enough? Sun, diet and supplementation. Getting 10 to 15 minutes of strong, direct sunlight on exposed skin should fill your stores of vitamin D for the day, but the reality is that many of us don’t get that for one reason or another.
Eating sustainably harvested wild Alaskan sockeye salmon can also provide you with vitamin D – and if you eat the bones that are in the canned salmon, you also get 20% of your calcium intake. For a quick lunch that is high in vitamin D and calcium and is great for your bones, combine plain yogurt with salmon, add some spices and serve on a bed of lettuce!  Continue reading “Boost Bone Health with Synergistic Calcium and Vitamin D”

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A Call for Vitamin D

Why is vitamin D so important? What does vitamin D do in our bodies?

Vitamin D is necessary for good bone health. One of the main functions of vitamin D is to increase blood levels of calcium and phosphorus by increasing their absorption in the intestines. To do this, vitamin D can bring calcium from the bones to be held by the kidneys. The vitamin is vital in building and maintaining strong bones, aids in hormone function and so much more.

There are two forms of the vitamin most important to human health and vitality – D2, made by plants, and D3, made in our own skin when exposed to sunlight. Although food can be fortified with either, vitamin D3 is of main importance. If supplementing, be sure to choose its D3 form, not the synthetic and inferior D2 form. Continue reading “A Call for Vitamin D”

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Vitamin D Reminder

With clocks falling back an hour and days getting shorter, sunlight can be hard to come by for many people. Vitamin D deficiency becomes a reality, particularly for those living in northern climates.

Adequate levels of vitamin D are vitally important in order to prevent rickets, as well as maintain strong bones. However, research has also been showing that deficiency of D may also be linked to cancer, multiple sclerosis and lowered immune system.

So who should take vitamin D as a supplement? Continue reading “Vitamin D Reminder”

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Dinner Tonight: Rapini and Pasta

Rapini or broccoli rabe is a dark leafy green vegetable that looks like it has tiny broccoli florets on it. It is part of the mustard family and has a very bitter taste. As a kid, rapini was a staple in our house, especially when the weather got cooler. Instead of salads, my mother would cook up some rapini with olive oil to accompany whatever main dish she made that night.

Now it is a staple in my house, as well. I combine it with pasta and white kidney beans and loads of garlic and olive oil for a simple and tasty meal.

Rapini is very high in vitamin K, calcium, and potassium. It is also a good source of iron and folate.  Continue reading “Dinner Tonight: Rapini and Pasta”

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  • Paula Gallagher
    Paula Gallagher
    Paula is a highly qualified and experienced nutrition counselor on the staff at Village Green.
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    Margo's impressive knowledge base is the result of a unique blend of educational and professional experience.
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    Dr. Neal Barnard
    Dr. Barnard leads programs advocating for preventive medicine, good nutrition, and higher ethical standards in research.
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    Dr. Joseph Pizzorno
    Dr. Joseph Pizzorno, ND is a pioneer of integrative medicine and a leading authority on science-based natural medicine.
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    Debi Silber
    Debi is a registered dietitian with a master’s degree in nutrition, a personal trainer, and whole health coach.
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    Teri Cochrane
    Teri is a is a Certified Coach Practitioner with extensive certifications and experience in holistic medicinal practices.
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    Dr. Rav Ivker
    Dr. Rav Ivker is a holistic family physician, health educator, and best-selling author.
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    Susan Levin
    Susan writes about the connection between plant-based diets and a reduced risk of chronic diseases.
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May 2024
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