Calcium is an essential mineral that plays a vital role in maintaining strong bones and teeth, as well as regulating muscle and nerve function. While many people turn to supplements or fortified foods to meet their daily calcium needs, there are plenty of natural sources for calcium that can be easily incorporated into a balanced diet. In this article, we will explore the top 10 best natural sources for calcium, so you can ensure you are getting this important mineral from whole foods rather than relying solely on supplements.
Edible Chuna in Curd
Chuna contain calcium. In earlier days, the consumption of beetle leaf with chuna was considered as a rich source of calcium. If consumed in very small amount with curd can increase calcium level. Also, it prevents acidity. As it is source of calcium it helps in preventing teeth problems.
Makhana Roasted in Oil or Ghee
Makhana is a best for all of us as it a source of various important nutrients and its a healthy munch too. Its also source of carbs, magnesium, iron and most importantly calcium. As it is rich source of Calcium it is great for your both and teeth. You can have handful of makhanas every day. But keep it in mind that it should consumed roasted with ghee or oil and not fried. I also contains antioxidants which is great for our body.
Trend Outfit Hijabers 2023: The Future of Modest Fashion
Dairy Products
As we all know dairy products are the main Natural Sources For Calcium. Calcium rich products are milk, cheese and curd. You should have your daily dose calcium with dairy product and have a glass of milk in the morning or at night with pinch of turmeric. You can have curd after your lunch which is great source of calcium and great probiotic too. As cheese is hard to digest you can have it once or twice in a week.
Peanuts and Peanut Butter
Having small amount of peanuts with jaggery everyday can give you nice amount of calcium and it will helps in managing your Hb too. Peanut butter is made up of dry and roasted peanut. These peanut are made into thick paste to form a butter. Now a days it’s been widely used as spread for breakfast. It’s a great source of calcium, you can buy one from market but homemade peanut butter always works as charm as they are free from any artificial sweeteners or preservatives.
Sunflower Seeds
As we know seeds are powerhouses of various nutrients. Sunflower seeds are great source of magnesium and calcium. Together, both of them helps in promoting promote strength of bones. Have sunflower seeds little roasted with minimum amount of salt or Sprinkle on your salad or add to your burger.
Almonds
Almonds are great source of calcium amongst all nuts. It is also considered as nice snack that contains Vit. E, healthy fats, fibers, magnesium etc. You can have 3-4 soaked almonds 1st thing in the morning as soaking improves the absorption of nutrients or you can have handful of them as snack in the evening. You can add in your shakes and smoothies too for that crunch and calcium.
Ragi
Ragi offers great amount of calcium, hence known as best grain for getting calcium. its also contains potassium and yehh it is gluten free. They make your bones stronger and will give essential vitamins and minerals that are required by body. Having ragi in your regular diet can help you in providing calcium to bones. You can make pancakes, cheela, idli, dosa and bhakri. Or you can take as malt.
Chia Seeds
Chia seeds are great for bone health. They are a loaded calcium, omega-3, fibers, antioxidants, iron etc. Chia seeds believed to have weight loss ability.
You can have them raw, soaked in juice or water or lemon water, can add to puddings, or your smoothies. Else you can just sprinkle them on your cereal bowl, curd, salad etc to increase intake.
Sesame Seeds
How can we forgot this. They are two types black and white both are rich in calcium. They are also great source of Magnese, Zinc and Copper. It also manages your cholesterol and triglycerides levels. Sesame oil is been widely used in India for massaging body to keep our bones strong and healthy.
You can tablespoon of seeds every day, or just sprinkles some roasted seeds over your salads or soups or smoothies.
You can also add them in your subji or add in dough and make til rotis and also eat til ke laddu or til Papdi
Leafy Vegetables
And last but not the least our daily veggies. Vegetables like spinach, kale, methi, mustard green, broccoli etc are rich in calcium. They also provide iron and folate. You can have them every day to full fill your calcium need.
Make everyday subjis, soups, parathas, make green juices with these vegetables and have your calcium.
FAQs
Calcium is important for strong bones and teeth, as well as for proper muscle and nerve function. It also plays a role in blood clotting and the release of hormones and enzymes.
The top 10 natural sources of calcium include dairy products, leafy greens like spinach and kale, tofu, almonds, sardines, fortified plant milks, sesame seeds, canned salmon, beans and lentils, and fortified orange juice.
The recommended daily intake of calcium varies depending on age and gender. For adults aged 19-50, the recommended daily intake is 1,000 milligrams. Women over 50 and men over 70 should aim for 1,200 milligrams per day.
Yes, it is possible to get enough calcium from a balanced diet that includes plenty of natural sources of calcium. However, some people may need to supplement their diet with calcium if they are not getting enough from food.
Yes, the body can absorb calcium from plant-based sources like leafy greens and fortified plant milks just as well as it can from animal-based sources like dairy products and fish.
Yes, certain foods can inhibit calcium absorption, including foods high in oxalates (like spinach and rhubarb) and phytates (like whole grains and legumes). However, these foods are still healthy and can be included in a balanced diet as long as they are not the sole source of calcium.
