10 Superfoods to Boost Bone Health

Strong Bones are Built One Bite at a Time

Strong bones are essential for your overall health and longevity. Keeping your bones strong and healthy starts with combining the right food choices with exercise and lifestyle modifications. Eating nutrient-rich foods is one of the simple steps you can take to boost your bone health and reduce your risk of osteoporosis.

Here are 10 of the top superfoods recommended to help you build and maintain strong bones:

Yogurt

Yogurt is a creamy and delicious dairy product, and an excellent source of calcium for strong bones. Eating yogurt regularly has been linked to significant reductions in the risk of fractures, making it a powerhouse for bone health. A healthy yogurt snack can include topping a cup of low-fat yogurt with fresh berries for added benefit.

Leafy Greens

Leafy greens are jam-packed with calcium, magnesium and Vitamin K, to help maintain bone health. Kale, Swiss chard and spinach are just a few of the many nutrient-rich green options to add to your menu. You can also try adding them to smoothies or salads for a tasty meal that can make a difference in bone health.

Beans

Beans are an excellent source of protein, calcium, and magnesium. Many types of beans, such as white beans, black-eyed peas, and kidney beans are especially high in calcium and magnesium, key nutrients required to build and maintain bones. Beans also have a low glycemic index, which helps keep bones strong by avoiding spikes in blood sugar.

Nuts and Seeds

Nuts and seeds make a great snack for strong bones, being high in calcium and magnesium. Almonds, pine nuts, walnuts, sunflower seeds, and sesame seeds are especially beneficial. These nutrient-dense foods can also help reduce inflammation and keep cholesterol levels in check.

Fatty Fish

Fatty fish, such as salmon, mackerel and sardines, are great sources of Vitamin D. Vitamin D helps the body absorb calcium, which in turn helps keep bones strong and healthy. In addition, most types of fish also have omega-3 fatty acids which are essential for a healthy inflammatory response and reducing risk factors that compromise bone health.

Tofu

Tofu is a great substitute for other proteins, such as red meat. Tofu is packed with zinc, manganese, selenium, and calcium, all of which are essential in maintaining strong bones. Many varieties of tofu are also fortified with Vitamin D for added bone health benefits.

Berries

Berries are an excellent source of vitamins, minerals, fiber and antioxidants. Research shows that eating more antioxidant-rich foods may improve bone health by increasing bone formation and reducing inflammation. All types of berries, including blueberries, strawberries, and raspberries, offer great benefits.

Garlic

Garlic is a flavorful addition to many recipes and can also help boost bone health. Garlic contains phytonutrients that can help your body absorb calcium for strong bones. Adding garlic to your dishes, either fresh or powedered, is an easy and flavorful way to add more nutrients to your meals.

Avocado

Avocados are packed with Vitamin K, which is a key factor in promoting and maintaining healthy bones. They also contain folate and can help keep your bones strong and your muscles in good shape.

Whole Grains

Whole grains contain Vitamin D, magnesium and zinc, all of which are essential for healthy bones. Whole wheat bread, oatmeal, quinoa, and other whole grain options are very beneficial, as they are high in fiber and minerals. Eating a combination of these nutrient-rich foods in place of processed white grains can help to keep your bones strong.

Conclusion

Building and maintaining strong bones can be done by incorporating the right food choices in your daily diet. Eating foods rich in calcium, magnesium, and Vitamin K, such as yogurt, leafy greens, beans, nuts, seeds, fatty fish, tofu, berries, garlic, avocado, and whole grains can all make a difference in how healthy your bones are. Eating more of these superfoods is a simple way to ensure you are protecting your bones for the future.