Slash your osteoporosis risk

Age-related hormone shifts can reduce bone mass and density, putting us at risk for osteoporosis, or weak and brittle bones. Known as a "silent disease," the condition often goes undetected until a bone breaks. But there's no need to get to that point-you can strengthen your bones and ward off painful breaks with these four simple strategies

- Jennifer Bringle

Warm up with white chili

This hearty dish wards off osteoporosis when you make it with white beans such as cannellini. White beans are rich in calcium, a key nutrient for building and maintaining strong bones. And research in the International Journal of Food Sciences and Nutrition found cooking beans makes it easier for the body to absorb calcium and other bone-building nutrients like magnesium and zinc. Add cheese and sour cream for an extra calcium boost.