Calcium, an indispensable element in our diets, is crucial for various vital bodily processes such as bone growth and metabolism. Read on to learn about which Indian foods are rich in calcium and how to incorporate them into your diet for stronger bones.

Calcium is a vital nutrient for our bodies, especially when it comes to maintaining strong and healthy bones. This mineral is important in the development and maintenance of bone structure, and without adequate levels of calcium, bones can become weak, fragile, and prone to fractures. Fortunately, there is an abundance of Indian food for calcium deficiency, which is not only nutritious but also boosts bone health. From nostalgic breakfast recipes like bajra upma to delicious paneer achari for dinner- there's something for everyone! In this article, we will walk you through some outstanding choices of calcium-rich Indian food for strong bones that you can include in your daily diet.

Calcium-Rich Food in India

Listed below are some calcium-rich Indian foods for strong bones along with some delicious Indian recipes you can easily follow at home:

Food Group Food source About
Millets Ragi, Bajra Millets are a popular Indian food for strong bones. 100g of bajra offers 42mg of calcium, and 100g of ragi can give you 344mg of calcium. They’re also packed with fiber and protein, making them a good addition to your overall diet.
Pulses and dals Toor Dal
Black Gram
Dal
Horse Gram
Green Gram
Pulses and dals are the ultimate comfort food, and one of the best sources of calcium in Indian food. Lentil dal boasts 44mg of calcium per 100g, whereas black gram dal and Bengal gram offer 154mg and 150mg, respectively.
Dairy Products: Milk
Paneer
Cheese
Yoghurt
Dairy is a popular calcium-rich Indian food for bones, especially great for children. Paneer offers up to 476mg of calcium per 100g. Milk and yoghurt on the other hand can contain up to 118mg to 110mg per 100g.
Vegetables Spinach
Okra
Sweet Potato
Lotus Root
Curry Leaves
Drumstick Leaves
Agathi Leaves
Amaranth Leaves

Vegetables like spinach, okra lotus root and amaranth leaves are among the calcium-rich Indian foods that can help prevent osteoporosis and keep bones healthy. For example, 100g of amaranth leaves contain 269mg of calcium, and 100g of spinach offers up to 82mg of calcium.

Curry leaves are a widely used calcium-rich food in India especially when preparing the tadka for dals and curries. 100g of these leaves contain 659mg of calcium. Agathi Leaves contain 901 mg of calcium per 100g whereas drumstick leaves contain 314mg per 100g.

Nuts and Seeds Almonds
Sesame (Til)
Gingelly Seeds (sesame)
Nuts and seeds are a rich source of calcium in Indian food. Sesame seeds offer 1283mg of calcium and almonds offer 228mg of calcium per 100g. Nuts are also packed with antioxidants and also known to boost heart health. You can have a handful of these mixed nuts and seeds daily or sprinkle them in your salads or desserts.

You can incorporate these delicious calcium-rich Indian foods into your meals using the following recipes:

Meal Recipes
Breakfast Til idlis
Bajra chapati
Bajra upma
Lunch Almond flour roti
Paneer biryani
Chana usal dry
Snack Spinach and corn tikki
Ragi dhokla
Vegetable salad with nuts
Dinner Spinach beetroot soup
Drumstick leaves soup
Paneer achari
Ragi dosa

Conclusion

To sum up, calcium-rich foods can provide a nutritional powerhouse of vitamins and minerals that can help to boost bone health and overall wellness. It’s also important to note that a well-balanced meal and practising portion control are essential for maintaining good health, as consuming excessive amounts of certain foods can have negative consequences. Remember to also pair these calcium-rich Indian foods for bones with other essentials for healthy living like exercise and good sleep. With these dietary considerations in mind, there's no need to worry about your bones going weak – simply enjoy all that India has to offer and stay healthy!