1. Milk
Milk is the absolute best food to promote healthy bones. Milk has high levels of calcium, as well as protein. Milk almost always has vitamins D and A added as well, making it a perfect strong-bone food. One cup of milk has about 300mg of calcium.
2. Salmon
Salmon is a kind of fatty fish that contains a wide range of bone-boosting nutrients such as calcium, protein, vitamin D and omega-3 fatty acids. Both vitamin D and omega-3 fatty acids help to increase the absorption of calcium in the body. Regular consumption of salmon helps to improve bone density and bone accumulation. Salmon is also good for your heart. Salmon can be grilled, poached or baked and you can easily incorporate it into a wide variety of healthy dishes.
3. Yogurt
Most people get their vitamin D through exposure to sunlight, but certain foods, like yogurt, are fortified with vitamin D, and also contain a good amount of calcium and experts say that one cup of yogurt daily is enough to fulfill the calcium requirement of the body.
4. Sesame Seeds
For healthy bone structure, you must also regularly eat sesame seeds which are available throughout the year. Sesame seeds have a nutty flavor and contain various nutrients such as calcium, magnesium, phosphorus and vitamins K and D. Daily recommendations are to consume at least one-fourth cup of these crunchy seeds, in roasted or dried form. You can also sprinkle some sesame seeds on cooked vegetables, toss them into your favorite salad, and add them to stir-fry vegetables. If you do not like the taste of sesame seeds then you can also try sesame butter. Along with sesame seeds you should also include flaxseed in your diet plan.
5. Sardines
These tiny fish, often found in cans, have surprisingly high levels of both vitamin D and calcium. One tin of sardines contain 351 mg of calcium.
6.Collard Greens
This leafy green vegetable contains a good amount of calcium along with magnesium, omega-3 fatty acids and vitamin K. All these nutrients are essential to bone health. At the same time the anti-cancer, anti-diabetic, and anti-bacterial properties present in collard greens provide a variety of other health benefits also.
7. Eggs
Though eggs only contain 6% of your daily vitamin D, they’re a quick and easy way to get it. Just don’t opt for egg whites only, it may cut calories, but the vitamin D is in the yolk.
8. Spinach
Spinach is another easily available vegetable that is high in calcium content. Along with calcium, spinach also contains a good amount of fiber, iron, potassium, magnesium and vitamins A and C. Just one cup of cooked spinach can provide one-fourth of your daily calcium needs. There are different ways to cook this dark green leafy vegetable as it can be grilled, boiled, frozen, canned, or eaten raw, depending upon how you like to eat it. It makes a good addition to salads, sandwiches and appetizers. Along with spinach, you can also try Chinese cabbage, kale, broccoli and cauliflower to enjoy better bone health.
9. White Beans
White beans are another super-food for healthy bones. These legumes contain a good amount of calcium, fat-free protein, fiber, and essential minerals like magnesium, phosphorus and potassium. All these nutrients are essential for bone health. Depending on the type of white beans you choose, one cup of cooked beans can provide a good amount of calcium that promotes healthy strong bones. You can include white beans in soups, salads, stews, bean spreads, casseroles, and baked vegetables. More to try to include pinto beans, navy beans and black beans.
10. Fortified cereals
Certain cereals—like Kashi U Black Currants and Walnuts, Total Whole Grain, and Wheaties—contain up to 25% of your daily vitamin D. When you don’t have time to cook salmon or get out in the sun, cereals can be a tasty way to get your vitamin D.
