Pasteurised cow’s milk, contrary to advertising, may not be the best source of absorbable calcium we can offer our family. Many adults and children who react to dairy products due to a lactose or casein allergy may have concerns that they are not consuming enough calcium-rich foods.
Calcium is essential for bones and teeth; it is also required by the heart and other muscles for contraction and blood clotting and is needed for a healthy and efficient nervous system.
There are many foods that are high in “absorbable calcium” without having to rely on all things dairy. All of the foods outlined below are relatively high in calcium.
- Tinned fish, especially salmon, sardines and mackerel, all with bones
- Milk, cheese andyoghurt from goats and sheep
- Cheese, especially parmesan, Swiss and cheddar
- Nuts, especially almond and brazil
- Brown rice
- Cabbage, especially the outer leaves
- Green leafy vegetables (especially parsley, kale, broccoli and spinach)
- Carob powder
- Egg yolk
- Figs
- Molasses
- Sea vegetables (nori, hijiki, wakame, kelp and kombu)
- Sesame seeds
- Soya beans
- Tea, especially dandelion and chamomile
- Tofu