Osteoporosis is a degenerative disease that leaves bones porous and fragile. In America, more than 1 million bone fractures each year are attributed to it. Post-menopausal women and women who are very thin or athletic are especially at risk. Doctors at UT Southwestern Medical Center at Dallas say the best way to prevent it is to build strong bones while you're young. Peak bone mass is usually achieved before the age of 30.
Calcium builds and maintains bones and teeth and also regulates the heart and other muscles.
If you don't get enough calcium from food, your body will drain it from your bones. Adults need three servings of calcium-rich foods each day. A serving is about 300 milligrams, about the same amount in one cup of milk. Of course, dairy products are excellent sources of calcium. So, when you plan your menu, don't forget your bones.