Concept in Definition ABC

Chemical element present in the earth and in the body

Calcium is that chemical element metallic white or gray color, which, in combination with oxygen, forms lime and is essential for the proper formation of bones, shells and spines. The symbol that represents it is Ca and its atomic number is 20.

Calcium can be found abundantly in the crust of the earth and is usually in the form of sulfate, such as gypsum or carbonate, such as calcite.

British chemist Humphry Davy he has been responsible for its discovery in 1808; through the electrolysis of an amalgam of mercury and lime is that Davy arrived at it, while, for many, many more years, until approximately the beginning of the last century, calcium could only be obtained in laboratories.

When calcium burns, it will form calcium oxide and nitride, while in a humid situation The environment will react forming hydroxide and while it is in contact with water, it will release hydrogen.
Among the applications found by calcium are the following: reducer in the extraction of other metals such as uranium, zirconium and thorium; deoxidizer or decarburizer for alloys, whether ferrous or non-ferrous; alloying agent used for

production aluminum, copper, lead, magnesium, among others.

Also, calcium is a very important and fundamental component in most living beings, especially in bones, teeth, shells and in various plant structures.

In the organisms, calcium appears as a calcium ion or as part of other molecules, these calcium ions will regulate muscle contraction, along with sodium and potassium, and will have participation in the metabolism glycogen.

Skeletal calcium, which is the one that is stored in the bones, participates in a good part of the metabolic activities, is located in the end of the longest bones, although it will be mobilized in order to meet the demands of increase. Human beings always have a calcium reserve that can increase thanks to our diet, for example, a diet rich in food containing calcium. When, on the contrary, said reserve does not exist, calcium will be subtracted from the reserve of the bones, a situation that will complicate and lead to problems in the bone structure.

Most abundant element in the body and helps to have strong and healthy bones and teeth

This element is the mineral more present in the human body. Our teeth and bones are the ones that have the largest amount of this. Meanwhile, body tissues, blood, other body fluids and neurons also contain calcium, although to a lesser extent.

The importance of this mineral in the body lies in its participation in various processes, such as: formation and maintenance of healthy teeth and bones; blood clotting; sending and receiving nerve signals; contraction and relaxation of muscles; maintenance of a normal heart rhythm; and hormonal and other chemical secretion.

Consumption of foods with calcium helps prevent diseases such as osteoporosis

Of course, having a satisfactory presence and reserve will help prevent many health problems, among the most recurrent is osteoporosis. Basically this condition consists of the weakening of the bones as a result of a deficient presence of calcium in the body. The bones become weak and tend to break.
As it is a disease that shows practically no symptoms, it is called a silent disease, it is only evidenced when the bones are directly broken. Bone densitometry is a complete study that can diagnose the disease.

Foods that contain it

So the best way to ensure that calcium is at the levels we need is to eat a diet rich and balanced in calcium. There are many foods that contain it, but dairy products are, without a doubt, the best source of calcium.
Milk obviously and its derivatives, such as yogurt, cheese, butter, among others.

And on the other hand are the vegetables leafy greens such as broccoli, spinach, watercress, kale, turnips, walnuts, almonds, salmon, sardines, sunflower seeds, dried legumes, many other foods that can also be eaten to add calcium to the organism.

But when the intake of these foods is not produced and the body needs calcium, some dietary supplements that include calcium among their components can also be taken.

On the other hand, when calcium is combined with oxygen this leads to the formation of lime, compound widely used at the behest of the constructions of buildings, houses, complexes, among others.

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