10 Natural Ways to Build Healthy Bones

4. Eat High-Calcium Foods Throughout the Day
Calcium is the most important mineral for bone health, and it’s the main mineral found in your bones.

Because old bone cells are constantly broken down and replaced by new ones, it’s important to consume calcium daily to protect bone structure and strength.

The RDI for calcium is 1,000 mg per day for most people, although teens need 1,300 mg and older women require 1,200 mg (29Trusted Source).

However, the amount of calcium your body actually absorbs can vary greatly.

Interestingly, if you eat a meal containing more than 500 mg of calcium, your body will absorb much less of it than if you consume a lower amount.

Therefore, it’s best to spread your calcium intake throughout the day by including one high-calcium food from this list at each meal.

It’s also best to get calcium from foods rather than supplements.

A recent 10-year study of 1,567 people found that although high calcium intake from foods decreased the risk of heart disease overall, those who took calcium supplements had a 22% greater risk of heart disease (30Trusted Source).
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