Our bodies are made up of many substances, but as far as minerals go, calcium is the most abundant! About 1% is in the tissues and fluids, used by the cells for metabolism, by the muscles for contraction, and by the nerves to transmit nerve impulses. It is an agent in the blood’s ability to clot. The other 99% - the huge majority - is found in our bones and teeth (the 20 we have as babies and the 32 we have later). Bone mass is not only affected by calcium intake, but also by adequate Vitamin D intake and weight-bearing exercise.

It is believed that calcium intake in children is directly linked to osteoporosis in adulthood, so it is important to establish good eating/drinking habits early. Since growth and bone formation is occurring at such a fast rate during puberty, it is very important for the child to get enough calcium at that time. Bone fractures in children appear to be linked to drinking cola drinks; it’s not certain if this is because drinking cola takes the place of drinking dairy products, or if there is actually something in the cola that impairs bone mineral status.

Hormones control the movement of calcium between the bones, blood, tissue and the other parts which use it. Vitamin D is important in assisting the bones to reabsorb calcium, which is why milk is usually fortified with the vitamin.

Sources of calcium in the diet include dairy products, enriched cereals and calcium fortified orange juice, sweet potatoes, sardines or salmon with the bones, and certain nuts and seeds (almonds, Brazil nuts, sunflower seeds and sesame seeds). Leafy green vegetables (including broccoli), oranges, tofu and dried-beans, -peas and –fruit also provide calcium. As you can see, there is a wide variety of foods from which to get calcium.

There are many calcium products on the market to ensure adequate intake, something most people, especially women, don’t get on a regular basis. www.ihdistribution.com can be your source for a specially formulated calcium supplement called Calcium Plus. (The “Plus” includes the minerals that are critical to bone structure such as Magnesium, vitamin D-3, alfalfa leaf, horsetail, yucca root and others).

Sweet Potato Pie

Preheat oven to 350^o.

Boil for 40-50 minutes until done, then remove skin from:

• 1 large sweet potato, (about 2 cups cooked)

Put it in med mixing bowl and whip with electric mixer along with:

• ½ c. butter, at room temperature
• 1 c. white sugar
• ½ c. evaporated milk
• 2 eggs
• ½ tsp ground nutmeg
• ½ tsp cinnamon
• 1 tsp vanilla

Beat until well-blended, about 1 minute. Pour into:

• 9” unbaked pie shell.

Bake for 55 - 60 minutes or until knife inserted in center comes out clean.

Cool completely. Serve with fresh whipped cream.

9 Cups of Delicious/Nutritious Granola

Preheat oven to 300^o.

Combine in large mixing bowl and set aside:

• 5 c. uncooked oatmeal
• ½ c. wheat germ
• 1 c. raw sunflower seeds, without shells
• 1 c. sliced almonds

Combine in saucepan:

• ¾ c. brown sugar
• ¾ c. water
• ¼ c. corn oil
• ¼ c. molasses or honey
• ½ tsp salt
• 2 tsp cinnamon
• 2 tsp vanilla

Heat until sugar is dissolved, but do not boil. Pour syrup over dry ingredients, stirring until well coated. Spread granola onto 2 large cookie sheets. Bake for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally. (Continue to bake 15 minutes longer if you prefer crunchy granola). Cool the granola and then add:

• 2 c. dried fruit (raisins/apricots/cherries/dates etc.), lg pieces chopped

Store in airtight containers. Use within 6 months.

Endnotes

Has great list of vegetarian sources of calcium and other nutrients http://www.vegsoc.org/info/calcium.html

American Academy of Pediatrics http://aappolicy.aappublications.org/cgi/content/full/pediatrics%3b104/5/1152

IH Distribution LLC, who brought you this article, has a full line of professional skin care & nutritional products: all products (including anti-aging products) can be purchased with a 30 day money-back guarantee

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