We all know that calcium is one of the most important and abundant minerals in the human body.
In fact, calcium makes up one to two percent of our entire body weight, mostly stored in both our teeth and bones. Where we are not consuming adequate amounts of calcium in our diets, our bodies will extract the calcium that they need from bone tissue, in turn accelerating bone loss.
Contrary to popular belief, you do not need dairy products to meet your daily calcium intake requirements (variable by age). We’ve created a list of our favourite (and easily accessible) plant-based, vegan AND dairy free sources of calcium.
Figs
This seasonal fruit is packed with 162mg of calcium per 100g, in addition to plenty of antioxidants and fibre. IDEA: Work these into your diet by adding them to your next BioCheese platter, alongside your favourite crackers!
Kale
One cup of cooked (blanched) kale contains 94mg of calcium, as well as being high in protein, fibre, vitamins A, C and K and folate. IDEA: Enjoy in your next salad bowl, partnered with a generous topping of BioCheese Parmesano.
Broccoli
One cup/ one stalk contains 75mg of calcium. Broccoli is also packed with vitamins C and K, folate, potassium and fibre. IDEA: Cover your steamed/ pan-fried broccoli with some BioCheese Pizza Shred and bake until melted, for a cheesy and nutritious side to any meal.
Tofu
This soy derived ingredient provides an excellent source of amino acids and iron, in addition to calcium. IDEA: Check out our Protein Packed Pasta with BioCheese Halloumi for a quick and easy tofu dish.
Chia Seeds
Just two tablespoons of chia seeds contain 177mg of calcium, in addition to being high in omega-3 fatty acids, magnesium, boron and numerous trace minerals. IDEA: Add a sprinkle of chia seeds to your breakfast.