There are many health benefits ofcalcium, such as strengthening bones, but it could be heart-friendly, too.

Some studies are finding that calcium lowers cholesterol.

Calciums ability to lowercholesterolhas been known for several years.

A woman holding her calcium supplements

diego_cervo / Getty Images

Calcium supplements have been shown to slightly reduce blood pressure in some studies.

How Does Calcium Lower Cholesterol?

Scientists really dont know how calcium works.

What Do the Studies Suggest?

In one study where elemental calcium appeared to lower cholesterol levels, HDL andLDL cholesterol levelswere mainly affected.

If you are looking to add calcium to your health regimen, you should consult with your healthcare provider.

This is roughly the same amount used in some of the studies looking at calciums ability to lower cholesterol.

And more isnt necessarily betterconsuming too much calcium could lead to health problems.

7(1):151-163. doi:10.1039/C5FO00856E

Reid IR, Bolland MJ.Calcium supplements: bad for the heart?Heart.

98(12):895-896. doi:10.1136/heartjnl-2012-301904

Jesch ED, Carr TP.Food ingredients that inhibit cholesterol absorption.Prev Nutr Food Sci.

98(5):1353-1359. doi:10.3945/ajcn.113.062844

U.S. Food and Drug Administration.Daily value on the nutrition and supplement facts labels.

1992 Dec;152(12):2441-4.

A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, clinical trial.Arch Fam Med.

2010 Jan;91(1):131-9. doi:10.3945/ajcn.2009.28097