Calcium is a vital nutrient for strong bones and teeth. For women in particular, calcium is important to help ward off osteoporosis later in life. Osteoporosis causes bones to weaken and become brittle -- increasing the risk of breaking bones. Calcium works together with other nutrients -- such as vitamin D -- to build strong bones.

So is milk your best source of calcium? Contrary to what we always learned in our youth, it may not be. In fact a Harvard study concluded that there is no evidence that several glasses of milk each day contribute to stronger bones. There are other dietary sources of calcium beyond milk. Give some of these a try:

• Cheese
• Sardines
• Broccoli
• Dark, leafy greens such as kale and collard greens
  
• Almonds
• Yogurt
• Rhubarb

Some other foods, such as orange juice, can be fortified with calcium as well. Pair a calcium-rich diet with weight-bearing exercise and you've got a recipe for good bone health.