The National Dairy Council would have you think that a glass of milk a day will help you build your bones and prevent osteoporosis, but bones consist of living tissue and are much more complex than that!

Of course calcium, of which there are many non-dairy sources as well, is important to bone development, but without vitamin D, calcium can’t be properly absorbed by the body. When exposed to sunlight the skin produces plenty of vitamin D, so give yourself a nice break in the sun and expose as much skin as you can for 10 minutes a day. (By the way, great food sources of calcium include greens, broccoli, figs, beans, and nuts.)

Also important is vitamin C, which is required for collagen production, and is best absorbed by eating citrus fruits.  

And please don’t forget to exercise! Physical activity creates healthy stress on the bones, causing them to build up tissue. Your bones are just as alive and in need of exercise as your muscles. If you don't use them, you'll lose them!

Image: ands.