Calcium: The Key To Weight Loss?

Calcium: The Key To Weight Loss?

It’s common to hear the dieting experts talk about the detrimental effects that too much fat in one’s diet can have on a person’s weight. However, although there are definitely certain foods you should try to limit in your diet, research also shows that there are certain nutrients you should actually try to eat more of. Studies indicate that people who do not get enough calcium in their diet seem to have a higher tendency towards being overweight as compared to those who eat a calcium-rich diet. Could calcium actually be one of the important keys to maintaining a healthy weight?

How Much Calcium Should You Get Each Day?

Although there’s no one answer to this question for everyone, it’s recommended that adult men and women strive to get at least 1,000 milligrams of calcium every day. For women who are post-menopausal or pregnant, this recommended amount tends to be even higher.
Although there are plenty of foods available that are rich in calcium, many people find it difficult to get the recommended amount of calcium each day just from the foods they eat. If you’re not sure how much calcium you’re regularly consuming, keep track for a week or so. It can be fairly easy to calculate the amount of calcium you’re getting in your daily diet, thanks to the nutrition labels on food products. You can also use an inexpensive food nutrition book or websites to look up your food. If you discover that you actually have a daily calcium deficiency in your diet, a calcium supplement is recommended. Supplements that contain calcium citrate are usually the most commonly recommended choice.

How Can a Calcium Deficiency Make You Gain Weight?

Scientists are not entirely sure why people who don’t consume enough calcium have a stronger tendency towards being overweight. Some people theorize that when you don’t get enough calcium, your body tries to get your to consume more. This could translate into overeating, especially if you use high fat dairy products to alleviate your body’s calcium cravings. There are also theories concerning calcium’s ability to help break down fat in the body, as long as calcium levels are high enough.

Whatever the reasons, it’s almost a sure bet that adding a bit more calcium to your daily diet would be beneficial. In addition to its potential benefits in regards to weight control, there are also many other advantages to eating a calcium-rich diet. Plus, if you substitute a glass of skim milk for the soda that you normally drink, you’ll also be avoiding a lot of sugar and empty calories.