Calcium is the most abundant mineral in the human body, and has several important functions. More than 99% of total body calcium is stored in the bones and teeth providing the necessary support to their structure. As a normal function of biology, the living cells of the body absorb new calcium to replace lost calcium or to build upon existing structure as in the case of childhood growth or in healing.
Coral calcium is a salt derived from fossilized coral reefs. The living coral reefs are endangered and most major reefs are protected by law as they cannot be harvested without severe damage to the ecosystem. Coral calcium is harvested by grinding up above-ground limestone deposits that were once part of a coral reef.
Coral calcium itself is composed primarily of calcium carbonate with small amounts of magnesium and other trace minerals. Chemically, calcium carbonate from coral sources is no different than from other sources of calcium, despite the claims otherwise by some companies. However, the addition of trace minerals, which may be deficient ones diet, could explain why some claim benefits of coral calcium over more refined sources of calcium supplements.
While the calcium component of coral calcium is identical to any other limestone deposit, fossilized coral reefs may contain trace minerals helpful to the human body. Though it's unlikely that a well-fed individual would be deficient in any of these minerals, clear dietary data shows that while the average American diet may be providing abundant levels of calories, salt, fat and preservatives, it is otherwise low in nutrition. Therefore, many people may benefit from a basic level of supplementation of all essential and necessary nutrients, including calcium.
There have been many unsubstantiated claims made regarding coral calcium, perhaps the most controversial of which is the suggestion that coral calcium cures cancer by increasing pH of the body. Scientific studies have been performed indicating that cancer cells cannot survive at sufficiently high pH levels. However, while this may be true when tested in a Petri Dish, the pH required to kill cancer cells also kills healthy human cells.
Another problem with the "body alkalinization" concept is that the body pH doesn't change, regardless of how much calcium carbonate is ingested. The human body can only function properly within a narrow pH range. It has been shown that if alkalinizing agents are ingested, the body promptly excretes the alkaline components in urine. Attempting to increase the pH of bodies only appears to succeed in raising the pH of the urine. The same applies if acidic foods are ingested in that the urine becomes more acidic.
Calcium itself is an essential mineral for human life, and coral calcium is an effective source of it, though by no means the only one. When researching any supplement, keep in mind that supplements are intended to improve nutrition. They are not designed to treat, cure or mitigate any disease. However, high quality supplements are an excellent way to supplement, but not substitute, the benefits of a good diet.
Minerals are the core substance that makes up coral reefs. The chief mineral found is calcium carbonate, which acts as a glue maintaining the structure of the coral. This coral calcium is commonly used as a nutritional supplement. The best place to obtain it is off the southern tip of Japan which is why coral calcium Japan based products are so popular today.
Coral reefs don't just happen but are the result of a complicated set of biological factors. For instance, warmth is important to the formation of a reef. The ocean water usually needs to be between 20 degrees Celsius to 30 degrees Celsius. Reefs are like a small community of different organisms and that community needs sunlight to grow, especially reefs that have coral calcium. Another important factor in keeping the community thriving is a healthy amount of algae. Algae is like the essential building block in the foundation of a reef-it provides food for the other organisms.
In fact, the coral calcium Japan is famous for comes from a complex ecosystem. The reefs are teeming with life that represent a complicated food chain. The algae and plant life provide food for the herbivorous fish who in turn produce the waste that builds more sections of the reef that the algae grows on.
Corals are part of a group of marine animal kingdom. These marine animals include hydroids, jellyfish, sea anemones, and a special group called Cnidaria of Phylum class. Corals have a large number of tentacles all identical and symmetrically placed all around the body , all tentacles having one common opening to the digestive tract. The Coral polyps are venomous and have stinging cells for their protection. The corals secrete a kind of calcium carbonate which forms the exoskeleton to form a hard outer surface. It is this hard outer surface which protects the soft and venomous coral polyps. These are the living animals who are the reef builders often found in the tropical oceans.
The coral reefs are home for many species of organisms - some are day dwellers and some are night dwellers but all of these fungi, sponges, worms and fish play a critical part in the eco system of the reef.
When it comes to coral calcium, Japan sourced products are best as they contain minerals essential for human life. Fossilized coral reefs may, depending on the quality, also contain trace minerals helpful to the human body which is why this supplement is so highly touted as an alternative health product.
Both Dave Saunders & Lee Dobbins are contributors for EditorialToday. The above articles have been edited for relevancy and timeliness. All write-ups, reviews, tips and guides published by EditorialToday.com and its partners or affiliates are for informational purposes only. They should not be used for any legal or any other type of advice. We do not endorse any author, contributor, writer or article posted by our team.
Dave Saunders has sinced written about articles on various topics from Fitness, Computers and The Internet and Nutrition. Dave Saunders is a professional lecturer, and certified nutritional educator. You can find out more about at www.aboutcalcium.net. Dave Saunders's top article generates over 246000 views. to your Favourites.
Lee Dobbins has sinced written about articles on various topics from Home Management, Diamonds and Install Flooring. To learn more about based health benefits, please visit. Lee Dobbins's top article generates over 246000 views. to your Favourites.