Fracture-Proof Your Bones.

PROTEINS; CALCIUM; BONES -- Wounds & injuries; FOOD habits; BONE; NUTRITION; HUMAN skeleton; DAIRY products; COOKING (Eggs); LYCOPENE; NATIONAL Center for Health Statistics (U.S.); HEALTH

Health, Wellness, & Medicine; Health, Wellness, & Medicine

McCord, Holly; McVeigh, Gloria

Researchers who looked at studies of the eating habits of women with the bone-crippling disease osteoporosis claimed that most people who are over 50 eat too little protein to support healthy bones. The right amount is two and a half ounces of protein from meat, fish, eggs, poultry, beans, or nuts, plus two or three servings of dairy products daily. Studies suggest that lycopene, a plant compound found in foods such as tomato products, may help strengthen the skeleton too. The National Center for Health Statistics says that two-thirds of women over 60 are still not getting the calcium they need, even if they take supplements.