Calcium: It’s about more than bones

You’ve heard it time and time again - calcium, the most abundant mineral in your body - is needed to keep your bones strong. What you don’t hear nearly as often are the other key benefits it can provide. Your muscles and blood vessels need calcium, for instance, and you couldn’t secrete some hormones and enzymes without it. It even acts as a postman, helping send messages throughout your nervous system. Calcium really is an amazing mineral!

Bones are the Foundation

The body is continually removing and replacing small amounts of calcium from our bones as we grow. If more is removed than replaced, bones become weaker and have a greater chance of breaking. But if you get enough calcium from the foods you eat and drink, your body doesn’t have to take calcium from your bones. This will help keep them, and you, strong.

Calcium Helps Fight Osteoporosis

The stronger your bones are now, the stronger your fight against osteoporosis later. There are numerous studies that say calcium intake and dairy foods are a key dietary strategy for attaining peak bone mass. So make sure to get your 3 servings of dairy each day. You’ll be protecting your bones and treating your belly!

What Beautiful Teeth You Have

You’ve got the kind of smile that can light up a room. But what would happen if you didn’t have calcium? Would you still be the belle of the ball? Probably not.

Both baby teeth and adult teeth need calcium to grow and develop. The job doesn’t stop there. Calcium also protects against tooth decay, helps make gums healthy and strengthens jawbones, too. So next time someone compliments your radiant smile, be sure to tell them you owe it all to calcium!

I’m convinced! Where do I find Good Sources of Calcium?

You can find calcium in a variety of foods but your best bets are low-fat milk and other dairy products. Dairy products are a particularly wise choice because they also have the following benefits:

• Milk and dairy products provide calcium and 8 other essential nutrients vital for optimal health and development
• The vitamin D found in milk and other dairy products helps your body better absorb calcium

Calcium is Key

From your toes to your teeth, calcium is a mineral that helps keep you going. While it’s important to get your share of it when you’re younger, it’s just as vital to keep it up as you age. Strong bones can only stay that way if you give them the nutrients they need, so be sure to get your calcium by eating your 3 servings of dairy each and every day!