Catch Up on Calcium-Rich Foods

The Healthier Choice Symbol helps us choose products that are higher in wholegrains. Can the symbol also help us to choose food that helps us to build strong teeth and bones?

Yes! The "Higher in Calcium" variant of the Healthier Choice Symbol can help us add more calcium to our diet.

What does the "Higher in Calcium" variant tell us about a food product? These labelled products contain at least 25 per cent more calcium than similar products that don't carry the symbol – they have higher calcium levels comparatively.

You'll find this variant on items such as milk and dairy products like yoghurt as well as calcium-fortified soy products like tofu and soy milk.

Why do we need to include calcium-rich foods in our diet?

Calcium helps us develop strong bones and teeth, and keeps our muscles and nerves working properly. Maintaining our calcium intake helps us to stay strong.

Calcium also regulates enzyme activity and is crucial for several bodily functions such as blood clotting.

A healthy, varied diet that includes enough calcium and vitamin D reduces the risk of osteoporosis, a condition that weakens the bones and increases the risk of fractures.

So, if you want your bones and teeth to remain strong and last your entire lifetime, catch up on calcium in your diet! The next time you're at the supermarket, be sure to pick food items that come with the "Higher in Calcium" variant of the Healthier Choice Symbol.

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Read these next:

• 5 Benefits of Drinking Milk
• Daily Calcium Intake - For Greater Bone Strength
• Keeping Bones Strong With Exercise and Calcium-Rich Foods