Best food options for healthy bones
As one ages, bone health gets affected, slowly decreasing in strength and density. So, it is crucial for everybody under 30 years must include bone-building foods in their daily meal plans. Essential minerals like calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, and vitamins, including D, C, and K, are necessary for bone mineralization. Fortunately, most of these essential nutrients can be absorbed naturally without heavy dependence on supplements. Here are the recommended top food options for daily bone nutrition.
Calcium-rich foods
Calcium is the vital building block mineral for healthy bones. As old cells break down, the body absorbs and utilizes calcium from daily foods to regenerate new bone cells.
Foods that contain vitamin D
A vitamin D deficiency can cause bones to become weak and brittle, increasing the risk of fracture, especially among young children.
Foods rich in phosphorous and magnesium
Just like vitamin D, essential minerals like phosphorous and magnesium help improve bone strength and health in the long run. Whole dairy products like milk and cheese, assorted beans, seeds, lentils, and seafood options like shellfish or sardines can supplement daily phosphorous requirements. Spinach, bananas, chickpeas, avocados, and assorted nuts & seeds help replenish the magnesium content.
Foods that contain vitamins K and C
Bone mineralization is one of the most important long-term bone health processes. Vitamin K helps direct the calcium absorbed by the body to new bone formation areas and supports blood clotting. Further, vitamin C helps restore collagen, one of the main proteins in the bone necessary for this mineralization process. Leafy greens, avocados, asparagus, pumpkin, kiwi, broccoli, kale, yellow and red peppers are great natural sources of vitamins K and C.
Vegan foods for healthy bones
Vegans can add plant-based foods and beverages to their daily meals. Popular choices include fortified milk from soy, rice, oats, soybeans, tofu with calcium sulfates, and assorted pulses. Even dried fruits like prunes, figs, apricots, and raisins can be added to daily foods. Sesame seeds and tahini are also decent sources of calcium.
Note that one can also consult with doctors to learn about Romosozumab. This prescription can lower the risk of fractures in osteoporosis when taken with other nutritious foods.