Three fourths of the mineral matter of the body is calcium phosphate, which is found in the bones, soft tissues, and in solution in the body fluids. Blood will not clot without lime salts, and they are necessary for the beating of the heart.

Both organic and inorganic forms of lime may be assimilated by the body, even those which are insoluble in water. Animals that eat bones probably assimilate some of the lime; however, organic lime has greater food value than inorganic lime.

A child must have a sufficient quantity of lime in its food or the bones will not grow properly, and general development of the body will be arrested.

Milk is very rich in lime. Lime water is added to milk in infant feeding, not to increase the amount of lime, but to soften the casein curd so that it may digest more easily. Milk is richer in lime than lime water.

Foods Rich In Lime

Milk

Egg yolk

Peas, beans, turnips, oranges, carrots, parsnips, spinach Most cereals

Foods Poor in Lime

Meats

Fish

Bread

Polished rice

New process corn meal