If the world of bone health had a mascot, calcium would be it. The mineral, after all, is a major structural component of bones (and teeth!). But, as it turns out, calcium’s role in the body doesn’t stop at your skeletal system. According to Susan Greeley, M.S., RDN, a registered dietitian and chef instructor at the Institute of Culinary Education, calcium is also required for muscle function, hormonal secretion and healthy blood clotting. Additionally, the mineral is involved in heart health, as it’s required by blood cells to pump blood efficiently. Even nerve cells need calcium to communicate properly with each other and transmit signals. Needless to say, calcium is a very important mineral….