Research shows that calcium supplements increase the risk of heart disease
Although I agree that there is a need for supplementation in today’s fast-paced world I absolutely disagree that people should take vitamin and mineral supplements. Why?… Because they are not natural!
Research shows that at best, vitamin and mineral supplements do nothing. At worst, research suggests that they can even do harm.
One of the most common supplements that people take are calcium supplements in the hallucination that it will prevent osteoporosis. Now more research is emerging that calcium supplements increase the risk of heart disease.
A meta analysis of trials of calcium supplements was conducted by researchers at the Department of Medicine at the University of Auckland.
They found that calcium supplementation caused a 27-31% increase in the risk of heart attacks and a 12-20% increase in the risk of strokes.
If you look at the abstract (click here to view the abstract) you will see that it mentions “food sources of calcium appear to produce similar benefits on bone density…Since food sources are not associated with adverse cardiovascular effects, they may be preferable.”
What are good food sources of calcium?…
Fruits and vegetables (no surprise there!) especially spinach, broccoli and greens. Salmon and sardines are also contain plenty of calcium.
If you have a copy of my book From Burnout to Balance in Four Weeks you will also notice that on Day 13 I talk about the importance of an anti-inflammatory diet which emphasises the importance of increasing your fish and fruit and vegetable intake.
So many health conditions aren’t caused by vitamin deficiencies. They are caused by deficiencies of nutrient-rich food.ie fish and fruits and vegetables.
You need to be having AT LEAST 2 fruits and 5 vegetables every day. If you feel that you require supplementation for a lack of fruit and vegetables go for a whole food fruit and vegetable supplement called Juice Plus which has been shown to lower the risk of heart disease ina University of Sydney study. (This is the difference between the whole food and just an artificial fragment of it)
I recommend at least 3-4 servings of fish every week. Fish is also great because its a tremendous source of protein. If you don’t like the fishy taste, try the fish with the white flesh. (it doesn’t taste as fishy) If you still don’t like that… grin and bear it. You will decrease your risk of untold illnesses if you do.If you must try fish oil, the Nordic Naturals brand has the most legitimate research behind it.
