Your diet has a huge impact on your health. Certain foods have more benefits for your oral health than others. Calcium-rich foods may make it easier for your tooth to work harder.
Although dairy products such as milk and cheese may seem obvious, there are plenty of delicious calcium options. Calcium-rich foods can help maintain your smile.
What is the relationship between Calcium and Teeth?
Calcium is the most abundant mineral in the human body. Your body absorbs 99 percent of calcium, which supports the structure of your bones and teeth.
According to the American Dental Association, calcium strengthens the tooth’s outer shell (called the enamel). Calcium can also help you fight decay and erosion.
How much calcium do you really need?
The National Institutes of Health (NIH) recommends that adults aged 18 to 50 consume 1,000 mg (mg) of calcium daily.
Your chances of tooth decay or bone loss can increase if you’re older or have had osteoporosis in the past. Your risk of tooth decay and bone loss could be increased if you take medication that weakens your bones, or if you are lactose intolerant.
What foods contain high-calcium content?
Supplements can be taken if you have a calcium problem. To meet your daily calcium needs, you can still eat high-calcium foods.
These 10 calcium-rich foods are worth considering when planning your meals. The U.S. FoodData Central of Department of Agriculture provides all nutrition information.
Milk
Most people are familiar with the question “Got milk?”. If so, then you know that cow’s milk is the best source of calcium. A cup of milk contains 200mg calcium, and 20% Daily Value (DV). You can enjoy a glass of wine with breakfast or your favorite cereal.
Cheese
Because cheese contains most dairy products, it is a great way to meet your calcium needs. Parmesan cheese has 336 mg per ounce, making it the most calcium-rich cheese. Goat cheese is closely followed by Gruyere and Romano.
Yogurt
Yogurt completes this trio of dairy calcium sources with 296mg (or 30% DV), in one cup of plain whole milk yogurt. Greek yogurt contains 200 mg of calcium per cup. Yogurt can be sweetened with granola, fruit or other ingredients.
Canned Fish
When you are looking for non-dairy calcium-rich foods, canned fish might seem like a good place to start. Cans of canned sardines contain 351 mg calcium. Salmon canned in cans is second with 202mg per container.
Seeds
Although canned fish might not be your favourite choice, you can still add calcium to your diet with various seeds. Poppy seeds have 127 mg of calcium per teaspoon. A tablespoon of celery (115 mg), chia (90%), or sesame (88%) can be added to your next recipe.
Dark Leafy Greens
Dark leafy greens such as spinach, collard greens, and kale have many health benefits. Raw collard leaves contain 83 mg, while spinach and kale provide 38 mg and 30 respectively. These greens can also be chopped and made into a tasty side dish or breakfast smoothie.
Almonds
Almonds are an easy snack rich in calcium that can be prepared quickly. These crunchy nuts have 75 mg of calcium per ounce. You can store them in your bag for a quick boost.
Beans
Beans can be added to soups or chilis for a nutritious and filling alternative. White beans contain the most calcium, with 139 mg per cup. Navy beans are second with 123 mg. Edamame (the baby form of soybeans) has 98 mg per mug.
Tofu
Tofu is naturally made from soybeans. Tofu can be purchased in a 3.5-ounce portion that contains approximately 176 mg. It can also come with calcium sulfate at an astonishing 861 mg per half cup.
Fortified Foods & Beverages
Calcium can be added to many processed foods. General Mills Total can have as much as 1330mg per cup. Other beverages and foods can also contain calcium, such as orange juice, non-dairy milk types, and cereals products. Calcium is good for your health.