Where will I get my calcium on a Whole Food Plant Based diet?
Where will I get my calcium on a Whole Food Plant Based diet? I am so glad you asked as there are many misconceptions that calcium cannot be obtained from plants.
We need calcium in our diets to build strong bones and teeth. Calcium also plays an important role in transmitting messages through the nerves. If you aren’t getting enough calcium in your diet, your body will take it from other places, like your bones and teeth. This is called losing bone mass. Losing bone mass makes the insides of your bones porous and weak. This puts you at risk for osteoporosis.
Robin here! Both TP and I are borderline “at risk” for osteoporosis. We found this out through bone density testing. I take calcium supplements. Our family also eats a diet rich in beans. I also consume 2 Tablespoons of chia seeds daily, typically at breakfast.
The dairy industry has done an outstanding job of delivering a great sales pitch to drink milk; however, you can get more calcium from plants than from cow’s milk!
The table below outlines some excellent sources of calcium available from plants. Keep in mind there are lots of other calcium-rich plant options not listed; these are some examples to help you get started ?
Thank you VERY much for this chart. Can you refer me of other sources of whole food plant based sources of calcium. I am trying to make a list and identify as many sources that are high and rich in calcium as possible.
Hi there Mia 🙂
So glad you like this chart! Nutrition Studies by T. Colin Cambell aslo has some great information for getting plant based calcium. Here is the link: https://nutritionstudies.org/how-to-get-calcium-without-dairy/
-Ameera and Robin 🙂