Calcium

You've probably heard that calcium is good for strong bones, but some evidence suggests that calcium helps lower cholesterol levels as well. In addition, calcium may help reduce blood pressure, especially when it's part of a diet that contains plenty of fruits and vegetables.

It's possible that calcium may have to interact with other minerals, such as potassium and magnesium, before it has its full impact. However, high levels of sodium may interfere with calcium's beneficial effects.

Low-fat or nonfat dairy products, such as nonfat milk and yogurt, are high in calcium and contain little or no saturated fat. Although cheese is a good source of calcium, it is high in saturated fat, cholesterol, and sodium; light or part-skim cheese cuts down on fat and calories. Calcium-fortified orange juice, dried beans and peas, and dark-green leafy vegetables are good nondairy sources of calcium.

The mineral chromium may lower heart disease, but the evidence for lowering cholesterol per se is contradictory. Learn about chromium on the next page.

For more information on cholesterol, see:
  • Foods That Lower Cholesterol: The first and best way to attack a cholesterol problem is through your eating habits. Find out what to eat for a healthy heart.
  • Foods That Claim to Lower Cholesterol: Many foods and supplements claim that they can help lower cholesterol. But do they really work? Find the answers here.
  • Low Cholesterol Diet: Many cholesterol-conscious diet plans focus on reducing saturated fat. Learn how to cut it out of your diet.
  • How Cholesterol Works: Cholesterol is essential to the body. Find out why we need it and how much is too much.

This information is solely for informational purposes. IT IS NOT INTENDED TO PROVIDE MEDICAL ADVICE. Neither the Editors of Consumer Guide (R), Publications International, Ltd., the author nor publisher take responsibility for any possible consequences from any treatment, procedure, exercise, dietary modification, action or application of medication which results from reading or following the information contained in this information. The publication of this information does not constitute the practice of medicine, and this information does not replace the advice of your physician or other health care provider. Before undertaking any course of treatment, the reader must seek the advice of their physician or other health care provider.