Those Bones Need Calcium

This line comes from an advertising campaign that was broadcast on television in the early 90’s. It depicted a large wooden mannequin who danced around singing the above ditty, in an ad campaign that was actually promoting the sale of milk.

It is a testament to the power of advertising that many people still remember this tune, however whilst milk may be a source of calcium, many experts argue that it is certainly not the best source.

One of the process’s which milk goes through before it goes on the supermarket shelf is called pasteurisation. During this process the milk is heated to temperatures above 118 degrees farenheit.  According to Sally Fallon of the Weston Price Foundation:
"Heat alters milk's amino acids, lysine and tyrosine, making the whole complex of proteins less available; it promotes rancidity of unsaturated fatty acids and destruction of vitamins. Vitamin C loss in pasteurization usually exceeds 50 percent; loss of other water-soluble vitamins can run as high as 80 percent. Pasteurization alters milk's mineral components such as calcium, chlorine, magnesium, phosphorus, potassium, sodium and sulphur as well as many trace minerals, making them less available. There is some evidence that pasteurization alters lactose, making it more readily absorbable."
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/3418701

Of all the mammals, only humans--and then only a minority, principally Caucasians--continue to drink milk beyond babyhood. Not only that but we are the only species that drink the milk of another mammal (primarily cows).

Milk is not just milk. The milk of every species of mammal is unique and specifically tailored to the requirements of that animal. For example, cows' milk is very much richer in protein than human milk. Three to four times as much. Like all animal protein, milk acidifies the body pH which in turn triggers a biological correction. Calcium is an excellent acid neutralizer and the biggest storage of calcium in the body is in the bones. So the very same calcium that our bones need to stay strong is utilized to neutralize the acidifying effect of milk. Once calcium is pulled out of the bones, it leaves the body via the urine, so that the net result after this is an actual calcium deficit.

So, what are the best sources of calcium?

Top of the list are sesame seeds. These little beauties are full of  calcium, magnesium, copper, vitamin B1, zinc and dietary fiber. Tahini. Is a paste made of sesame seeds that you can use in spreads, dressings, sauces, or all by itself on crackers and toast. You can even use it as a dip with fruits and veggies. Other good sources of calcium are green leafy vegetables, canned fish (such as sardines) .

Oh, and remember the body needs vitamin D in order to absorb calcium so make the most of any sunshine that comes our way.