Is coral calcium a cure-all? That's what many coral calcium suppliers say. On the other hand, opponents of these alleged miracle mineral supplements say they may be a waste of money. The truth lies somewhere deep within the sea of conflicting information about coral calcium.
Exactly what is coral calcium? It is a calcium supplement made from fossilized coral. There are not consistent standards in harvesting the material; some coral calcium could be taken from dead coral and shells in and around the water, or it could be from high-grade, mineral-rich coral.
Benefits of Coral Calcium
Marketers of this supplement, such as Bob Barefoot, have made almost ridiculous claims as to the potential benefits of coral calcium - that it can treat over two hundred diseases, relieve pain, combat fatigue, and slow the aging process. Many people in the medical community have trouble recommending coral calcium supplements because there is no evidence to support the assertions that they are miracle mineral supplements. In fact, because some purveyors have possibly exaggerated the healing power of coral calcium, the potential coral calcium benefits are not being examined.
The coral consists not only of calcium carbonate, but an array of other minerals, from magnesium to boron. Generally, coral calcium suppliers take their product from the coral beds in Okinawa, Japan. More recently, a product from Brazil has come on the market - Brazil Live Coral Calcium, which is not made from fossilized coral, but from live coral which has washed in from the sea. Brazilian coral calcium could be a more nutrient-rich source than Okinawan coral calcium because the phytochemicals, amino acids, as well as vitamins and minerals, would still be preserved in live coral.
As few people consume their daily required amount of calcium - 1000 milligrams per day - coral calcium supplements can be a good way to get that extra bit of calcium. Some brands of coral calcium, such as True Blue Coral Calcium, have over seventy minerals, including a number of trace minerals rarely found in our normal food sources, as well as vitamins A, C, D, E, and B-complex vitamins. Other brands, such as Coral Calcium Daily, provide a handful of nutrients, namely calcium and magnesium. When searching for a brand, be sure to make sure the coral has been analyzed and certified - you may notice that some of the more expensive brands tend to not be certified.
Coral calcium also helps to balance the body's alkaline-acid ratio. Many foods found in the Western diet - cheese, meat, sugars, and coffee - are acid-forming foods, leaving the body in an unhealthy acidic state. Calcium alkalizes the body, helping to restore a healthy pH level. Again, there have not been clinical trials to verify the dangers of an over-acidic body, leaving the potential benefits of coral calcium unanswered.
The Controversy over Coral Calcium Supplements
Ultimately, coral calcium is definitely a source of easily absorbed nutrition, specifically calcium. There are some concerns remaining. Two bottles of coral calcium supplements were found to have lead content. This was an isolated incident, but, it is important to make sure the supplements you choose are from a valid and certified source.
Too much calcium is not a good thing. Calcium must be balanced with magnesium; an imbalance between these two minerals can lead to cell calcification, disabling cells. Also, calcium can inhibit the absorption of other nutrients, such as iron.
Today coral reefs face depletion from environmental concerns and from encroaching large-scale development projects. There is a danger if coral calcium supplements become popularized that the remaining coral could become exploited and eventually endangered. It would be a shame to destroy such a beautiful ecosystem for false health claims and profit.
The answer to optimum health and longevity is not found in a bottle; it is the sum of a healthy diet, exercise, and happiness. Coral calcium is certainly an option to explore, but perhaps we should let go of the idea of miracle mineral supplements.
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Brenna Coleman - Brenna is a freelance writer focusing on natural health and beauty. She has written hundreds of articles, helping readers find ways to ...
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