(NC)-Everyone knows calcium is essential for the development of healthy teeth & strong bones. The good news is there are many fun & delicious ways to add calcium to your diet…mmm, even with ice cream! Dairy products including milk, cheese, yogurt & ice cream are great choices to help add calcium to your diet. Other calcium sources include broccoli, spinach & even almonds, which can easily be added to a variety of meals. Although most dairy products are a good source of calcium, they don't all contain equal amounts of calcium Canada's Food Guide to Healthy Eating recommends adults get 2-4 servings of milk products every day. The following chart features foods equivalent to one serving of milk products from the Food Guide. 1 serving of milk products = 125 ml (1/2 cup) ice cream1 175 ml (3/4 cup) yogurt2 250 ml (1 cup) milk2 50 g cheese2 Despite the common knowledge that calcium is good for your body, here are some more interesting facts about calcium: • The body does not produce calcium, which means that you must get if from your daily diet. • A healthy diet with adequate calcium & vitamin D, & regular physical activity, help to achieve strong bones. • Everyone requires a calcium-rich diet for healthy growth, development & maintenance, but children with growing bones, pregnant & breastfeeding women in particular require greater amounts of calcium "Many dairy products are good sources of calcium, including treats like ice cream," said Vanessa &rews, Nestlé Canada Dietitian. "All foods can fit as part of a healthy balanced lifestyle. A calcium-rich diet can be fun & delicious." So the next time you're snacking on almonds or having a bowl of Nestlé Real Dairy ice cream, remember that you're not just having a tasty treat, but one rich in calcium that helps keep your body strong & healthy. For more information about Nestlé Real Dairy, visit www.nestle.ca. To ask a dietitian a question about calcium, click on Contact Us & select "dietitian" in the Topic section. 1 Section 6.3, The 2003 Guide to Food Labelling & Advertising 2 Canada's Food Guide to Healthy Eating - News Canada