Foods Containing High Levels of Calcium

Most of the time, when we think about foods high in calcium, milk and other dairy products are usually the first things that come to mind. However, several people out there are lactose intolerant, and many others simply do not like the taste of dairy foods.

It may surprise you to learn that there are quite a large number of non-dairy foods high in calcium. Calcium is an essential mineral to a healthy, well-balanced diet.

Usually, when you hear about the body's need for calcium, it brings to mind the healthy development of strong teeth and bones. In fact, we do need calcium to keep are teeth and bones strong and to reduce bone loss.

However, many people do not realize just how important calcium is for several of our other bodily functions. Our bodies also use calcium for contracting muscles, blood clotting to heal wounds, hypertension management, weight management and producing hormones and enzymes for regulation of energy, fat metabolism and digestion.

The body uses calcium to aid in the release of neurotransmitters, maintaining connective tissues and cells as well as to reduce the risk of premature heart disease. Two different types of calcium are present in the body, both closely bound with the bone and more accessibly on the bone.

Our skeleton works as sort of a bank where our body keeps its minerals. Your body makes regular deposits and withdrawals as the need arises. If you do not eat and adequate amount of foods high in calcium, your body will just take what it needs from its skeletal bank. If this continues, it will eventually lead to significant bone loss.

By eating enough foods high in calcium, the calcium is sufficiently returned to the bones. In addition, make sure you are also getting enough Vitamin D to effectively consume and absorb calcium.

A List of Foods High in Calcium

With such focus on dairy foods high in calcium as a primary resource, most people just do not realize that there are other foods high in calcium besides dairy foods.

The following list should help you realize the abundance of calcium that can be found in the world, including seeds, vegetables, fruits and more.

blackstrap molasses
navy beans
almonds
black turtle beans
white beans
tofu
chickpeas
broccoli
collard greens
celery
brazil nuts
oatmeal
kale
flax seed
kelp
papaya
spinach
oranges
sesame seeds
tahini
swiss chard
corn meal
wheat flour
ready-to-eat cereals, such as Raisin Bran, Corn Flakes, etc
biscuits
rhubarb
potatoes
soy beans
turnip greens
cowpeas
sardines
peanuts
tinned salmon
kippers
radish
herring
cabbage
apricots
artichokes
blackeye peas
brussel sprouts
carrots
cashews
cauliflower
figs
leeks
mustard greens
okra
olives
parsley
pistachio nuts
raisins
butternut squash
sauerkraut
sunflower seeds
sweet potatoes

A Well-Balanced Diet Will Contain Plenty of Calcuim

By eating a healthy, well-balanced diet that is full of rich, dark leafy greens, seeds, fruits and nuts and you will be getting an ample amount of calcium along with all of the other essential fiber, minerals and vitamins that work to help protect your body from chronic illness.