What's Cool About Calcium

      I'm doing a science project on the element, calcium.  So, I thought that I should tell you a bit about this element. 
      Calcium is the 20th element of the periodic table.  It consists of 20 protons, neutrons, and electrons.  It's estimated atomic mass is 40.  It's symbol is Ca, not CA, which stands for California.  This element is classified as a metal and a solid.  These are some of the properties of this fascinating and useful element. 

     Calcium is a soft, grey mineral that makes up a large portion of the earth's crust and the human body.  It is necessary for living creatures to survive.  Which is why it is unfortunate that 50-75% of human diets do not contain enough calcium.  This could affect the body severely as mentioned in the next paragraph. 

      Throughout the body, calcium is used for many different reasons.  For example, contracting muscles, strengthening teeth and bones, conducting nerves impulses throughout the body, clotting blood, maintaining a normal heartbeat, etc.  Without consuming the correct amount of calcium.

     People under the age of 18, whose bones may still be developing, should consume 1300 mg each day.  Adults ages 18-50 should recieve an intake of 1000 mg per day.  Elderly people over the age of 50 are reccommended to take in around 1200 mg every day.  People from different ages need a varying amount of calcium. 
    Calcium can be found in many different places.  Most people instantly think dairy when they here calcium.  But, it can found in places where people would never look, like, broccoli, dandelion greens, kale or collard greens, beans, almonds, sesame seeds, and oranges.  Consume calcium and get rid of the 'not enough variety' excuse. 
     Keep up on your calcium because it could affect you in the long run.  To learn more about calcium visit these sites:http://www.facts-about.org.uk/science-element-calcium.htm  and
chemistry.about.com/b/2010/04/30/calcium-facts-2.htm