Coral calcium certainly has some very interesting characteristics and properties, and it is very difficult to ignore the many claims that are regularly made about its health benefits. There are many people who advocate the use of this calcium, and swear by the healing and preventive traits that its health benefits are said to possess. These health benefits were primarily advocated by Dr. Robert Barefoot, as he conducted a great amount of research on the subject. His claims are that the alkalinity of this calcium helps the human body in many different ways, and it is a great tool for fighting off a number of diseases and illnesses that are caused in the body due to a deficiency of calcium. The maximum amount of this calcium is obtained from the coral reefs off the coast of Okinawa, Japan, and Dr. Barefoot regularly points out the great healthiness and long lifespans of the people living in the surrounding area, as evidence of these benefits. What is Coral Calcium? These are layers of calcium that are derived from the coral reefs that are found on ocean floors. Since corals are relatively rare and require many centuries to grow, it is illegal to harvest the coral calcium from the coral reefs itself. Instead, the calcium is obtained from the limestone deposits that have detached themselves from the main coral reef and have risen to the surface of the water. The primary constituent of this calcium is calcium carbonate, and there are minute traces of other minerals like magnesium in it as well. The health benefits of calcium are well-known all across the world, and those of coral calcium are no different from these. It is strongly claimed though, that these supposed enhanced health benefits are simply exaggerated and hyped, and that it is all just a marketing gimmick. Benefits At present there is a raging debate about these health benefits. The people who propagate the use of coral calcium claim that the ratio of the trace minerals, magnesium and calcium is perfectly suited to the human body. They also say that this calcium enables the body to successfully absorb other minerals that the body requires. But there is also a constantly growing school of thought that refutes these claims of the health benefits. They claim that all these benefits are not true, and are simply exaggerated gimmicks. This could be true as well, but let's have a further look at the health benefits that people say these promote.

• Helps boost the immune system of the human body.
• Like regular calcium, this also strengthens the teeth and the bones in the body.
• The balance of calcium, magnesium, and trace minerals is perfectly suited to the requirements of the human body.
• It cleanses out the internal organs of the body like the kidneys, liver, intestines, etc. and also helps in the breaking down process of heavy metals inside the body.
• It helps regulate the pH level in the body.
• Many claim that it also acts as a great form of alternative treatment and cure for many heart diseases and even works against cancer.
• It increases the body's ability to heal and repair any damage suffered on the tissues.
• Helps prevent around 200 diseases that are related to a deficiency of calcium in the body.
• For women it is even claimed that it helps reduce the severity of PMS symptoms.

All these health benefits are greatly debated and many people still have lot of doubts about them. Companies that harvest and market coral calcium point out all these health benefits and use it as a reason for charging exorbitant prices for its supplements. At the end of the day, there is very little medical evidence available to substantiate these health benefits. Disclaimer: This article is for informative purposes only and does not in any way attempt to replace the advice offered by an expert on the subject.