Why The Female Body Requires Calcium And Magnesium Citrates

The nutritional demands of the female body change with the passing of every year. As the body grows older, some vitamins are required in more specific quantities than others. Calcium and magnesium citrates are some of the minerals that are harmful to the good health and greatest functioning of a female body. Most women opt for supplements to make sure the body receives them in adequate quantities.

Vitamins and mineral supplements for women are the easiest way for the body to absorb the nutrients, especially when faced with food restrictions. An importance source of calcium is milk and milk products. However, several women are lactose-intolerant and face severe reactions to curd or milk. Similarly, one of the richest sources of magnesium is found in almonds which are a problem for women who are allergic to nuts.

It is important to keep up a regular supplement intake of calcium and magnesium citrates as their deficiencies can result in a number of health problems for women. One requires calcium for maintaining and building healthy bones. It is important to know that taking this nutrient only increases with the increase in age. Although women might consume calcium-rich foods, their absorption is also affected with the intake of alcohol, carbonated drinks and caffeine.

The importance of magnesium for women is often misunderstood as it is not only beneficial for the teeth and bones but also plays a major role in maintaining calcium levels, and the health of kidneys, muscles and the heart. The nutrient assists producing energy and activating the enzymes.

The main health risks women face with a deficiency of calcium and magnesium citrates are chemical imbalances resulting in mood swings and osteoporosis. The latter is one of the most common problems faced by women as they grow older due to bone deterioration. This makes bones highly brittle and prone to fractures. Although several women opt for calcium supplements, the body can absorb it better when combining certain supplements.

There are several pharmaceutical companies that manufacture different types of dietary supplements today. Before deciding to buy and consume a particular brand of these supplements, make sure they are approved by the FDA. It is also important to check with a medical doctor to avoid untoward accidents such as drug reactions, especially if the patient is on other medications.

Calcium and magnesium citrates are some of the most essential nutrient supplements women should include aside from their diet to maintain healthy bones, teeth and optimal function of the heart. As the requirements of the nutrient amounts change as the body ages and especially during and after childbirth, it is important to check for deficiencies.

The Amazing Health Benefits Of The Prickly Pear Cactus

Most people think of cactuses as those strange looking spiky plants that live in pots on people's window sills. Whist these smaller cactuses are often used for decorative purposes around the house, some of the larger types that are native to the desert have many health benefits.

One particular cactus that is renowned for its health benefits is the Prickly Pear cactus.

The cactus thrives in desert locations and both the pads and the fruit are edible, often being made into jelly's and jams. The cactus continues to be a food staple for the people who live in desert areas in the South-western United States.

Adding the highly nutritious Prickly Pear cactus into your own diet, will provide you with numerous health benefits.

About The Cactus

It's real name is the Nopal cactus and it has long been used as a traditional medicine throughout Mexico for treating diabetes. It was also used traditionally by native Indians for the treatment of burns.

Today it still used as a medicine amongst natives and can also be found in a number of juices. Although there have not been many human studies to discover the full benefits of the Prickly Pear cactus, people who drink health drinks containing the cactus juice have praised the way the products have given them a noticeable health boost.

Medicinal Uses

The cactus is most commonly used to treat type II diabetes, due to its ability to lower blood sugar levels.

Other conditions it is used to treat include the following: 

• Obesity
• High cholesterol
• Colitis
• Diarrhoea
• Viral Infections
• Benign prostatic hypertrophy
• Constipation

Another of the main benefits is the plants ability to naturally reduce inflammation throughout the body. As inflammation is a large contributor to conditions such as heart disease and arthritis, it is thought that the properties of the plant may help to protect against such diseases.

Vitamins

The Prickly Pear cactus is also a great source of health boosting vitamins. It contains vitamins A and C as well as numerous B vitamins.

Vitamin A promotes healthy lungs, eyes and intestines and also helps to protect against cancer cells forming.

Vitamin C is required so the body can heal when wounded. It is also a powerful antioxidant.

B vitamins are essential for producing energy in the body and are also required to create new cells.

Adding the cactus to your diet is a great way to ensure that you are getting the daily recommended amount of each of these vitamins.

Prickly Pear Cactus Juice

The easiest way to add the plant into your everyday diet is to purchase a juice that uses the cactus as its main ingredient.

There are a few juices out there which contain it; however, it is important that only natural ingredients are used in the formula.

Although these juices can sometimes seem slightly expensive, the health benefits you receive as certainly worth the cost.

Obtaining the cactus raw is not easily done, unless you live in South-western America, so purchasing a healthy juice that contains the Prickly Pear cactus is the next best thing!