Are you among the many people who think milk is the ultimate source of calcium? Think again. Broccoli might give the milk a run for its money regarding calcium content.
Let’s dive in and find out which comes on top.
The Role Of Calcium In The Body
Calcium is one of the essential minerals for your body. It is common knowledge that calcium is important for bone and teeth health. But calcium also plays many other vital roles in the body. Let’s have a look at some:
- Muscle function: Calcium is needed for proper muscle function, including the contraction and relaxation of muscles. It also helps regulate heart muscle function.
- Nerve function: Calcium is critical in transmitting nerve impulses throughout the body.
- Blood clotting: Calcium is essential for blood clotting, which is necessary to prevent excessive bleeding after an injury.
- Enzyme activation: Calcium is involved in activating several enzymes that play important roles in various bodily processes.
- Hormone secretion: Calcium is necessary for producing hormones, including insulin, which helps regulate blood sugar levels.
Food Sources of Calcium
Calcium can be found in a variety of foods, including:
- Dairy products: Milk, cheese, and yogurt are excellent sources of calcium.
- Leafy greens: Dark, leafy greens such as kale, collard greens, and spinach are rich in calcium.
- Seafood: Fish such as salmon, sardines, and anchovies are high in calcium, as are shellfish like shrimp and oysters.
- Nuts and seeds: Almonds, sesame seeds, and chia seeds are good sources of calcium.
- Beans and legumes: Soybeans, white beans, and lentils are good sources of calcium.
- Fortified foods: Many foods, including orange juice, tofu, and cereals, are fortified with calcium.
- Supplements: Calcium supplements are also available, but it's important to talk to a healthcare provider before starting any supplement regimen.
Getting enough calcium through food is essential for maintaining strong bones and overall health, and incorporating a variety of calcium-rich foods into your diet can help ensure you're meeting your daily need
Calcium In Milk vs. Broccoli: Which Has More?
Both milk and broccoli are good sources of calcium
However, milk contains 155% more calcium than broccoli!
From 100 grams of milk, we get 120 mg of calcium; from 100 grams of broccoli, we get only 47 mg of calcium.
Which Foods Contain More Calcium Than Milk?
- Collard greens: 141 mg calcium in 100 grams; 268 mg in 1 cup
- Poppy seeds: 127 mg of calcium per teaspoon (9 grams)
- Tofu: 350 mg of calcium in 100 grams
- Soybeans: 277 mg of calcium in 100 grams
Bottomline: Calcium In Milk vs Broccoli
Calcium is a mineral with many vital roles in human health. While dairy products make excellent sources of this mineral, many other food sources can help you meet your calcium needs - many of them are plant-based as well!
