Chances are good that you (yes, YOU) are not getting enough calcium. See the thing is, it’s kind of an everyday thing. So what can you eat? We’re partial to dairy foods, but calcium can also be found in fortified juices and other beverages, as well as dark leafy green vegetables.
TOP 5 REASONS TO CARE ABOUT CALCIUM
1.
Fact is, you are growing. And your bones are growing, because your skeleton is actually living tissue. It’s the reason why bones can heal after a break or fracture. You need calcium to build more bone, and keep the bone you do make strong and healthy.
2.
And consider calcium to be the MVP of the skeleton—it’s what gives bones their strength and rigidity. Without it, you could tie your bones into knots. A cool party trick, but really, who wants to be a jellyfish?
3.
But wait, before you think that calcium ONLY means “bones,” think again. Calcium is actually a pretty Big Deal, and it’s required for your heart and all your other muscles to contract (i.e. move).
4.
If there isn’t enough calcium in your blood to make your heart pump, and uh, stay alive, your body has to yank the comfortably situated calcium from your bones back out into circulation. What’s left of your bones? They now have pits and definitely not as strong as they were (picture potholes on a Michigan road).
5.
Smile! Calcium is also found in your teeth. (DYK teeth are not actually bones?) The world needs to see your pearly whites in all those glorious selfies (teeth helped to be strong and healthy thanks to calcium)!
…AND THE TOP 5 REASONS WHY YOU SHOULD GET MOST OF YOUR CALCIUM FROM DAIRY (AIM FOR 3 SERVINGS A DAY, EVERY DAY)
1.
Great for on-the-go lifestyles. Backpack? Check. Homework? Check. Travel mug with Chunky Monkey Smoothie? Mmm, check.
2.
Although it’s the main ingredient in smoothies and lattes, it plays well with tons of fun flavor combinations.
3.
Cheese. Who doesn’t like cheese?
4.
Yogurt. Is it a breakfast item? Is it a snack? Don’t pick a side, eat it for both!
5.
Psst…don’t forget dairy has a lot more good-for-you vitamins and minerals, and even is a good source of protein.
