Q:What is coral calcium and
is it really as effective as they say it is?
A: Coral calcium is a supplement
made from mineral-rich dead coral reefs. The fossilized
coral is either harvested from the ocean floor or collected
after it has washed up on shore. Recently popularized
by Bob Barefoot, coral calcium has been touted as a fountain
of youth and the cure for over 200 conditions including
cancer.
Much of the hype around coral calcium comes from the fact
that the people of Okinawa include coral in their diets
and are among the longest lived, healthiest people in
the world. However, the Okinawan Centenarian Study showed
that the health and longevity of Okinawans was due to
a low-calorie plant based diet, regular exercise, strong
community support for the elderly, and an emphasis on
preventative medicine. In addition, a 1998 survey of their
dietary habits showed they consume an average of only
500 mg of calcium per day. The scientific evidence does
not support coral calcium as the source of Okinawan’s
exceptional health and longevity.
The real value of coral calcium is simply as a highly
absorbable source of a vitally important mineral. Calcium
is needed for numerous bodily functions as well as bone
health. The calcium in coral is at about 70% absorbable,
a significant improvement over other supplemental forms
of calcium. And, unlike other calcium supplements, coral
calcium doesn’t cause rapid swings in blood calcium
levels. Coral also contains a wide range of trace minerals
often lacking in soil grown foods. For many people, trace
mineral supplementation provides added benefits. I don’t
think coral calcium is a panacea but I do think it is
an excellent calcium supplement. For those suffering from
calcium deficient conditions coral calcium is worth trying.
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