How important is calcium to us? It’s very important. Here’s why.
It builds strong bones and teeth; helps the heart to beat, muscles to flex, blood to clot, and nerves to send messages throughout the body. Calcium helps to reduce risks of colon cancer, high blood pressure, osteoporosis, premenstrual syndrome, and high cholesterol.
Calcium Advantage Tips
Drink milk with meals, have cereal with milk, order cheese on your sandwich, snack on cheese and crackers, cheese and fruit, yogurt, or a glass of milk. Consume at least 2 to 4 servings of the dairy group each day.
Where do we find calcium bonuses? Dairy food like milk, cheese, and yogurt contains calcium as well as potassium, magnesium zinc, and vitamin A and D. Consuming 1 cup of milk, 1 1/2 ounces of cheese, 2 cups of cottage cheese, or 6 ounces of yogurt will get you 300 milligrams of calcium. The recommended daily intake:
| For Women: | For Men: | For Children: | |||
| 11-18 years old | 1,200 mg | 11-18 years old | 1,200 mg | 1-10 years old | 800 mg |
| 19-50 years old | 1,000 mg | 18+ years old | 800 mg | ||
| 51+ years old | 1,500 mg |
Calcium is needed for long and healthy life. What better time than now to make sure your intake is optimum.
