PIP'S TIP'S - DIY Calcium Powder

DIY CALCIUM POWDER!

We hear about the benefits of calcium all the time, but sometimes it takes more than that to really understand why it's such a crucial part of our diets.   Its not surprising that it we need calcium considering its what makes up all our bones, nails, and teeth etc.  When I first started delivering eggs to our customers, I met a lovely lady in Foxton Beach who has diabetes, she was telling me that she crushes up our organic eggs shells and eats them daily in smoothies or sprinkled on her food.  I asked why and she told me when you have diabetes, it’s important to modify your diet to ensure that your blood sugar and weight stay controlled. The research she had read said she should be eating foods that are rich in calcium as it can help offset the risk for osteoporosis, with which diabetes is associated, but it may also help halt progression of the disease in those who have been diagnosed.  Vitamin D was also crucial for this.  She had worked out that 2 x free range organic eggs would do all of this at once for her.  That would give her the required daily intake of both, all at once, not to mention all the other benefits.

One of the best, cheapest, and most bioavailable sources of calcium is from eggshells and with nothing more than a coffee grinder and a few clean shells, you can grind up your own calcium powder in less than an hour.  This can be added to anything for yourself or your pets.

Calcium is one of those minerals that’s important for bodily processes but can be tricky to get enough of the old-fashioned way. It’s found in leafy greens and broccoli, but you need to eat a lot of them to see any noticeable benefits. And supplementation isn’t always a perfect solution, either. Over the counter calcium supplements can be rough on the stomach and difficult to absorb.

We also have several our customers who do the same for their pets, especially if they don’t give their dogs bones a lot.  They have a jar of this ground up calcium powder, whip up an egg, pop in half a teaspoon of this and their animals love it, and honestly, they swear by it.

Why get your calcium from eggshells?

Eggshells are made almost entirely of calcium carbonate, which is exactly what makes up our nails, teeth, and bones. They’re also loaded with protein, magnesium, selenium, strontium, and other compounds that are known to be good for bones and joints. Because they’re a whole food (not a man-made supplement), it’s easier for our bodies to absorb and utilise the nutrients found in eggshells.   Just store them up in the freezer to your have enough, give them a rinse and dry them first though.

How to make eggshell calcium powder

Supplies

10-12 eggshells

Medium saucepan

Baking sheet

Coffee or spice grinder

Instructions

Spread the shells on a baking sheet. Bake at 150 degree Celsius for 20 minutes to dry them out.

Using a coffee grinder or a blender, grind the shells to a very fine powder (coffee grinder makes the finest powder).  A finer powder also mixes better with other drinks, like coffee or juice or for sprinkling on your food or mixing with your animals food.

Add 1/2 teaspoon of your calcium powder to your daily food intake for about 400-500 mg of calcium (feel free to tweak your daily intake depending on your specific needs and recommendations from a healthcare provider).

Store in an airtight jar in a cool, dry cupboard for up to a month.