Super foods for super
strong bones 

We always use the phrase ‘building’ strong bones and it is completely true. As elaborated in an earlier article, strong bones are built with a combination of balanced diet and a healthy lifestyle. Consuming them from an early age can help build up the bone bank for old age. Let us focus on a list of good foods for building strong bones. 

Milk and Milk Products  

Milk and milk products, such as curd and cheese provide bioavailable form of Calcium. Sometimes there is added Vitamin D₃ in milk, making it a good source of this Vitamin D₃.  

Fish 

Oily fish, such as salmon or raavas, mackerel or bangda, are rich in Vitamin D₃. Other fish that can be eaten with bones are a great source of Calcium. 

Fruits and Vegetables  

Fruits and vegetables not only provide Calcium but are also a great source of other micronutrients required for bone health. Green leafy vegetables provide Calcium, Magnesium, and Vitamin K. Tomatoes, banana, papaya, capsicum, oranges, and potatoes provide Vitamin C, Potassium, and Magnesium.  

Strong Bone Tip 

When you are buying readymade foods, look out for the word ‘fortified’ in the labels. Butter or fat spread, cornflakes, oil, milk, powdered milk, orange juice, or any other foods can be fortified with Vitamin D₃

Want strong bones? Here are some more eating tips for them. 

Here are some bone facts you need to know. 

1. Cereals are not a good source of Calcium as they have phytic acid. They bind to Calcium to make it unavailable.  

2. Eating a lot of animal protein foods such as mutton and chicken can make your body lose Calcium. This is why consuming a balanced diet is important.  

3. Eating too much salt found in readymade foods or at home can result in Calcium excretion³. Hence, it is important to balance salt intake.  

4. Drinking too much alcohol is a known risk factor for osteoporosis³. Hence it is important to limit intake.  

5. Tea and coffee contain caffeine, the ingredient which has been linked to cause Calcium loss³. Hence excessive consumption of tea or coffee has to be avoided. 

Strong bones are a lifelong asset. Dietary modification is an important strategy that helps in building and preserving bone health. Many studies have found the beneficial influence of Vitamins and Minerals on bone health⁶. However, as much as 70% of Indians report low consumption of these micronutrients, which might affect the health of their bones too⁷. Hence, it is important to consume a balanced diet for overall health and for that of the bones too. Dietary shortfall of these bone-building nutrients can be filled by supplementing Calcium and Vitamin D₃. In addition to consuming foods, it is also important to follow it up with physical activity and sun exposure for Vitamin D₃