Calcium Rich Food Items

Calcium is a vital mineral for bone health, nerve function, and muscle activity. In India, there are numerous calcium-rich foods, fruits, vegetables, and cereals that can help meet dietary needs. Here’s a detailed list of these calcium-rich sources:

Dairy and Dairy Products

1. Milk:
o Cow’s Milk: A traditional staple, rich in calcium.
o Buffalo Milk: Higher in fat and calcium content compared to cow’s milk.
2. Cheese:
o Paneer: A widely used cheese in Indian cuisine, high in calcium.
o Cheddar, Mozzarella, Swiss: Other cheese varieties available in India, also high in calcium.
3. Yogurt (Dahi):
o Plain Yogurt: Provides a significant amount of calcium.
o Greek Yogurt: Thick and protein-rich, often contains more calcium.
4. Buttermilk (Chaas):
o A common drink in Indian households, made from diluted yogurt, also provides calcium.

Vegetables

1. Leafy Greens:
o Spinach (Palak): Rich in calcium but contains oxalates, which can inhibit calcium absorption.
o Fenugreek Leaves (Methi): High in calcium and commonly used in Indian cooking.
o Amaranth Leaves (Chaulai): Good source of calcium and other nutrients.
o Drumstick Leaves (Moringa): Extremely high in calcium and used in various Indian dishes.
2. Cruciferous Vegetables:
o Broccoli: Contains calcium and is a great addition to the diet.
o Kale: Becoming more popular in Indian diets, offers high calcium content.
3. Others:
o Okra (Bhindi): Contains moderate levels of calcium.
o Sweet Potato Leaves: Though not commonly consumed, they are high in calcium.

Fruits

While fruits generally contain less calcium than dairy and vegetables, some provide a decent amount:

1. Oranges:
o Fresh oranges and orange juice, especially fortified versions, provide calcium.
2. Figs (Anjeer):
o Dried figs are an excellent source of calcium and can be consumed as a snack.
3. Kiwi:
o Contains moderate levels of calcium along with other essential nutrients.
4. Mulberries:
o These berries are not only rich in calcium but also in vitamins and antioxidants.

Cereals and Grains

1. Ragi (Finger Millet):
o A traditional staple in southern India, exceptionally high in calcium. Commonly used in porridge, breads, and other dishes.
2. Amaranth (Rajgira):
o Rich in calcium and used in traditional Indian sweets and snacks.
3. Sorghum (Jowar):
o Contains good levels of calcium and is used in making rotis and other dishes.
4. Teff:
o Although less common, it’s gaining popularity for its high calcium content.

Legumes and Pulses

1. Chickpeas (Kabuli Chana):
o A good source of calcium and widely used in Indian dishes like chana masala.
2. Lentils (Masoor Dal):
o Provide a modest amount of calcium along with high protein content.
3. Soybeans:
o Soy products like tofu and soy milk are high in calcium and used in various vegetarian dishes.
4. Black-eyed Peas (Lobia):
o Contains a good amount of calcium and is commonly used in Indian cuisine.

Nuts and Seeds

1. Almonds (Badam):
o A great source of calcium, can be eaten raw or added to dishes.
2. Sesame Seeds (Til):
o Extremely rich in calcium and used in sweets like til ladoo and tahini.
3. Chia Seeds:
o Offer a high amount of calcium and can be added to smoothies and yogurt.
4. Flaxseeds:
o Provide calcium and are often used in Indian cooking and baking.

Fortified Foods

1. Fortified Plant-Based Milks:
o Soy milk, almond milk, and oat milk are often fortified with calcium.
2. Fortified Breakfast Cereals:
o Various brands fortify cereals with calcium, providing a convenient way to boost intake.
3. Fortified Juices:
o Some fruit juices, particularly orange juice, are fortified with calcium.

Traditional Indian Foods

1. Sesame Seed Balls (Tilgul Ladoo):
o Made from sesame seeds and jaggery, these are not only traditional sweets but also high in calcium.
2. Ragi Mudde:
o A popular dish in South India made from ragi flour, providing substantial calcium.
3. Dhokla:
o Made from fermented rice and chickpeas, this Gujarati snack is also a good source of calcium.

Incorporating a variety of these calcium-rich foods, fruits, and vegetables into your diet can help meet your nutritional needs. Whether through traditional dishes or modern recipes, ensuring a diverse intake of calcium sources is key to maintaining bone health and overall well-being.