Microsoft Word - H.E.M.P Healthy Eating Made Possible - Paul Benhaim - Completed.docx

by  

  Paul  

  Benhaim

a) Being building materials of the bones and teeth

b) Being an essential part of the building of basic solid

elements soft tissues such as blood cells, nerve cells,

muscles

c) Working as electrolytes (soluble salts) kept in solution –

these affect our acid/alkaline balance, digestion, nerve and

muscle functioning

Calcium

The adult skeleton contains about 1-2kg of calcium. It is one of the
most important minerals for the human body, and is vital for a
number of functions. Calcium deficiency, or inability to metabolize
it, is related to deficiencies of vitamin D – so get out in the sun. An
excess of oxacilic acid causes crystals (stones) in the kidneys and
bladder. Spinach, rhubarb and chocolate all contain oxacilic acid.
Wheat also interferes with calcium absorption.

We have more calcium in our bodies than any other
mineral, 90% being in the bone system. Renewed every six years
in the body, calcium is often deficient in the average western diet.
It is particularly important for pregnant women (especially during
the 2 ½ moths), nursing mothers and children. For optimal
assimilation of calcium and phosphorous, a balance and store of
vitamins A, C and D is needed. The absorption and utilization of
calcium depends directly on the amount of phosphorus in the diet.
It is the ratio of calcium that is important with a balance being
aprroximantely 2:1 in favor of calcium.

It has been shown that a high protein diet can be
detrimental to the absorption of calcium in the body. This cannot
be changed by increasing the amount of calcium we consume, but
by lowering the amount of protein. Other enemies of calcium