Calcium is one of the most abundant and vital minerals in the human body. While it is best known for its role in building strong bones and teeth, its benefits extend far beyond the skeleton.
Dr. Sebi did not promote synthetic calcium supplements or dairy-based sources. Instead, he encouraged plant calcium, primarily from herbs like sea moss and other alkaline sources of calcium that are naturally balanced with other minerals like magnesium, phosphorus, and silica, which work synergistically in the body.
Top Health Benefits of Calcium
1. Builds and Maintains Strong Bones and Teeth
99% of the body’s calcium is stored in bones and teeth. It provides structure and hardness, preventing conditions like osteopenia and osteoporosis. Calcium also supports healthy tooth enamel and jaw strength.
2. Supports Heart Health
Calcium helps regulate heart rhythms by assisting in the contraction and relaxation of heart muscles. It works with magnesium and potassium to prevent high blood pressure and is essential for vascular tone, which impacts blood flow and circulation.
3. Aids in Nerve Function and Signal Transmission
Calcium is required for neurotransmitter release, allowing the brain to communicate with muscles and organs. It helps regulate the nervous system, reducing irritability and improving focus. Deficiency can contribute to anxiety, brain fog, or nerve pain.
4. Assists in Muscle Function
Calcium is essential for muscle contraction, including both voluntary muscles and the involuntary muscles of the heart and digestive tract. It helps prevent muscle cramps, spasms, and twitching, and works alongside magnesium to maintain proper muscle tone.
5. Supports Biochemical Reaction and Cellular Health
Calcium is essential for many biochemical reactions in the body. It contributes to cell membrane stability, allowing nutrients in and keeping waste out. It also plays a role in blood clotting, wound healing, and energy production.
6. Promotes Restful Sleep and Calms the Nervous System
Calcium helps the brain convert tryptophan into melatonin, the hormone responsible for sleep. Natural, alkaline calcium sources have a calming effect on the nerves, reducing restlessness and insomnia.
What Happens When You’re Deficient in Calcium?
| Symptoms of Calcium Deficiency (Hypocalcemia) |
|---|
| Brittle bones or fractures |
| Muscle cramps or spasms |
| Numbness or tingling in fingers |
| Fatigue and poor concentration |
| Weak or decaying teeth |
| Dry skin and brittle nails |
| Heart palpitations |
| Irritability or mood swings |
Dr. Sebi-Approved, Alkaline Calcium Sources
Dr. Sebi advised avoiding dairy (due to its acidity, mucus-forming effects, and poor absorption) and instead obtaining calcium from electric, plant sources, including:
- Sea moss (Irish moss) – Rich in calcium, magnesium, and silica
- Amaranth greens (Callaloo) – High in bioavailable calcium
- Nettle leaf – A top herb for calcium, magnesium, and iron
- Dandelion greens – Great for bones and blood, naturally rich in calcium
- Chickweed – Supports skin, joints, and bones
- Sesame seeds (raw, unhulled) – High in absorbable calcium
- Wild herbs like Purslane and Lamb’s Quarter
Calcium is not just for the bones. It’s for the blood, the brain, the nerves—calcium is life.
Calcium Supplements? Be Cautious.
Dr. Sebi cautioned against calcium carbonate and synthetic calcium supplements, as they:
- Are poorly absorbed
- Can calcify arteries and joints
- Disrupt the natural mineral balance
- Often lack magnesium, silica, and other synergistic minerals
Why You Need Calcium, Naturally
Calcium is essential to life—but only when sourced from natural, plant, mineral-rich foods that the body can absorb and use. It protects the bones, nerves, muscles, and heart, and helps maintain internal balance and vitality.
The cause of all disease is the violation of nature’s laws. The body is made of minerals, and it gets sick when those minerals are missing or out of balance.
