Delicious sources of calcium

If you’re looking for natural ways to get more calcium in your diet, an HSI member named Edwin has a suggestion. In fact, he has three:

“Like everyone else in the alternative health field, you list a few typical vegetable sources for calcium. I don’t understand why you guys don’t list some of the best natural sources for calcium in a highly absorbable form: sunflower seeds, sesame seeds and figs.”

Edwin is absolutely right: all three of these foods are rich in calcium, and each one also has a very efficient calcium delivery system.

In “Skinny Dipping” (3/4/03), I told you how calcium can be difficult for your body to absorb. Fortunately, magnesium and phosphorus help facilitate calcium absorption. And it just so happens that sunflower seeds, sesame seeds, and figs all contain good amounts of both magnesium and phosphorus.

These foods are also high in protein and iron, with a few vitamins thrown in as well. But one note for those who are avoiding carbohydrates: 1.5 ounces of figs (approximately 4 figs) contain about 23 net grams of carbs. Figs are also high in soluble fiber, which can create a laxative effect.

So if you’re concerned about healthy bones, here are three tasty and nutritious ways to help boost your calcium intake.

To Your Good Health,

Jenny Thompson
Health Sciences Institute

Sources:
“Nuts and Seeds” Vegetarian Society, vegsoc.org
“Sunflower Seeds” Health Recipes, healthrecipes.com