Many supplements claim to aid weight loss. It is hard to know which, if any, may be right for you. For instance, manufacturers of coral calcium claim it may enhance your ability to lose weight and decrease body fat. Knowledge of what exactly coral calcium is, what it does and how it works may help you assess the claims.
Geography
Coral calcium is a mixture of calcium carbonate, magnesium and other trace minerals. It is harvested from fossilized coral beds, mostly from Okinawa and Brazil. Where it comes from is what distinguishes it from other calcium supplements. According to the manufacturer Coral Pure Calcium, the marine origin makes it more easily absorbable. Calcium supplements in general provide calcium without the fat and calories that come along with other sources such as dairy.
Function and Potential
There are many health claims about the benefits of coral calcium, although there are no clear scientific studies to support them. Dr. Bob Barefoot, author, lecturer and promoter of coral calcium, claims coral calcium can help treat over 200 diseases, from cancer to arthritis. There are a few theories that suggest coral calcium can aid in weight loss. The American Medical Association says calcium is an essential nutrient for the human body. A lack of calcium causes changes with the way the body stores fat. Getting enough absorbable calcium can help regulate this process. Also, calcium helps to alkalize the body. Coral calcium supports a healthy shift in pH levels in the body, according to Dr. Barefoot. High acidic states are associated with weight gain, the inability to lose weight and other negative effects on health. Another theory is that mineral deficiencies increase hunger and appetite. When our mineral levels are balanced, we may experience fewer cravings, particularly for sugary and salty foods.
Warning
Consult your physician before taking any supplements. Also, make sure you are getting high-grade coral calcium supplements. Watchdog.com and Quackwatch.com say that some lower grades contain high levels of mercury and lead, not to mention sand. Taking calcium supplements in general is contraindicated for anyone with a history of kidney stones.
The Cost of Coral Calcium
Coral calcium is not cheap. One pill can cost anywhere from $.25 to $1.00. The cost of most supplemental calcium averages just $.05 per pill or less. According to OkinawaProgam.com, there is no evidence that coral calcium is more effective than regular calcium supplements.
Dietary Calcium
Coral calcium may aid weight loss, but the costs and risks are clearly something to consider. It makes sense to offer calcium support to the body whether weight loss is desired or not. An adult should consume 1000 to 1300 mg of calcium per day, but half the population does not get sufficient calcium, according to GaltTech.com. A diet that includes three to four servings of calcium-rich foods, such as broccoli, kale, bok choy, sardines, almonds and pistachio nuts, can provide the necessary calcium requirements for the adult body. Combined with a low-salt diet, which keeps calcium from being excreted, and vitamin D, which aids in calcium absorption, you can be on the right track to a healthier body that can sustain weight loss.
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