We’ve all heard throughout our entire lives how good calcium is for our bones and our bodies. Calcium has even been shown to prevent tooth loss! It may be one of the most abundant minerals in the body, but that doesn’t always mean that we’re getting enough of it to ensure strong, healthy bones and teeth. If you’re looking to increase your calcium intake through your diet, we’ve got a few foods rich in calcium that not only taste good, but can also add extra strength to your pearly whites.
Skim Milk
When someone is worried about their calcium intake, milk is typically one of the first things they’ll add to their diet. If you’re concerned about getting a good amount of calcium without the fat content, try drinking skim milk. It contains the same amount of calcium as 1%, 2%, or even whole milk. One serving (one cup) contains 31% of the recommended daily value* of calcium.
Swiss Cheese
Another go-to for calcium is cheese. Dairy products in general are well known for being high in calcium, but Swiss cheese is particularly; a single slice (one ounce) provides 22% of the recommended daily value for calcium.
Kale, Raw Spinach, & Quinoa
Love a good salad? Leafy greens such as raw spinach and kale are high in calcium. One cup of kale or spinach has about 9% of your daily value of calcium. Toss these two together in a salad and add in some quinoa for crunch (one cup=8% DV of calcium), and you’ve got yourself one calcium-rich – and delicious – salad! Image above and recipe found on Hummusapien.
Almonds & Sunflower Seeds
If you prefer a small snack you can grab a handful of on the go, try almonds or sunflower seeds. A half-cup of sunflower seeds contains 5% DV of calcium, while a half-cup of almonds has about 18%! Almonds also have been shown to promote weight loss and colon health. Just remember, these foods tend to be higher calorie, so if you’re watching your waistline, be sure to grab a small handful.
Yogurt
It turns out a common on-the-go breakfast item is actually the breakfast of the calcium champions! A single 8-ounch serving of plain yogurt provides an amazing 42% of the recommended value of calcium. Add some fresh fruits or berries to keep it delicious and nutritious.
If you would like to learn more ways to improve the health of your teeth, we would love for you to visit Kildaire Family & Cosmetic Dentistry. We offer a comfortable, relaxing environment as well as family-block appointments so you can get back to your schedule fast, feeling confident about your family’s oral health! Call or email Dr. Brace to schedule your appointment.
*Daily value statements are all based on a 2,000-calorie diet.