Top 10 Super Foods for Strong Bones

A healthy set of bones provides structure to the body and also protects the internal organs and anchors the muscles. At the same time, strong bones are required for good posture, balance and strength.

To enjoy strong bones, certain key nutrients are required, such as calcium, magnesium, potassium, vitamins, beta-carotene, and protein. There are many healthy foods that promote healthy and strong bones and reduce the chance of achy joints, inflammation, arthritis and other bone-related health problems.

When you eat the right type of foods, you can enjoy better bone mass and density at any age and strong bones throughout your lifetime.

Here are the top 10 superfoods for strong bones.

1. Milk

Calcium is the most essential element for strong bones, and the best source of calcium is undoubtedly milk. Milk also contains potassium, magnesium, riboflavin, phosphorus, and vitamins D and B12. All these nutrients are important for healthy bones.

Adults should drink two glasses of milk daily. Children and teenagers can benefit from drinking more milk. Depending upon your preference, you can choose skim, low-fat or whole milk. Those who do not like the taste of milk can blend it into a milkshake, smoothie or sauce.

2. Cheese

Cheese is loaded with a good amount of calcium, along with vitamins D, A, B12, potassium, magnesium, riboflavin, phosphorus and protein. All these nutrients are needed for strong bones. Also, cheese is an excellent source of calcium for people who are lactose intolerant.

Just a small amount of cheese eaten regularly will support your bone health. You can have cheddar, Swiss, mozzarella, goat, Parmesan and cottage cheese.

3. Yogurt

Yogurt contains a good amount of calcium, vitamins D, A and B12, potassium, magnesium, riboflavin, phosphorus and protein.

So, include at least a cup of yogurt in your daily diet. If you are not a fan of milk, here’s another interesting reason why yogurt is good for you.

Milk tends to acidify the body’s pH, which in turn, causes the body to release calcium from the bones to neutralize the acid. Yogurt, on the other hand, being a fermented dairy product, works as an acid neutralizer and does not have the calcium leaching effect.

Those who are health conscious can choose fat-free plain yogurt daily. Greek yogurt, however, may not be too healthy for your bones because Greek yogurt varieties, while high in protein, generally do not contain adequate levels of vitamin D and often have less calcium than traditional yogurts.

4. Tofu

Tofu is a type of soy food that contains a high amount of calcium and plant-based chemicals called isoflavones, which are important to promote healthy and strong bones. Tofu is a popular option for people who are lactose intolerant and cannot eat many types of dairy products.

One-half cup of tofu can fulfill about 20 percent of your daily recommended intake of calcium. Whether you eat it plain or cooked, tofu is a healthy choice for your bones. Prefer to have organic and fermented tofu or other soy products.

5. Sesame Seeds

Sesame seeds contain various nutrients for bone health, such as calcium, magnesium, phosphorus and vitamins K and D.

You must daily consume at least one-fourth cup of these crunchy seeds, in roasted or dried form. You can 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 nutty taste of the seeds, you can try sesame butter. Along with sesame seeds, you must also include flaxseeds in your diet.

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 antioxidant and antibacterial properties present in collard greens provide a variety of other health benefits.

One cup of cooked collard greens contains more than one-fourth of your daily calcium requirement. The best way to consume collard greens is lightly steamed with fresh garlic and onions. You can also add this leafy green vegetable to salad and soup.