Calcium is important for healthy bones and teeth and for the working of muscles. It is virtually absent from meat products. Excessive amounts of animal protein (from meat, dairy, fish and eggs) in the diet can actually leach calcium from the bones - weakening the skeleton and leading to osteoporosis therefore it is much healthier to obtain calcium from plants than from dairy. Calcium is found in dark green leafy vegetables such as broccoli, kale watercress and cabbage; pulses; dried fruits; tahini (sesame seed butter) and nuts and seeds (particularly almonds and sesame seeds). Many soya milks and tofa are fortified with calcium.