Sunday, March 14, 2010

Calcium-rich diets 'increase' lifespan

Apart from various health benefits reported for calcium intake, a new study shows adopting a diet rich in calcium can increase one's mortality rate.

Previous studies had reported that higher calcium intake was associated with lower mortality in both men and women.

Following a diet rich in calcium with the addition of magnesium was also linked with reduced risk of developing chronic diseases.

According to the new study published in the American Journal of Epidemiology, men with the highest calcium intake were 25 percent less likely to die over the next decade.

The risk of heart-related death is also reduced by 23 percent among these individuals. Following such a diet, however, does not influence the risk of dying from cancer. Magnesium on its own, on the other hand, was not reported to have such an effect, the study found.

Scientists believe a calcium-rich diet can lower the risk of death through reducing blood pressure, cholesterol and blood sugar levels. They, therefore, urge individuals to get enough calcium in their daily routine.