How to Get Calcium on a Vegan Diet (Plus, 6 Foods to Keep Your Bones Strong)

Calcium is essential for strong bones and overall health, but you don't need to rely on dairy products to get enough of it in your diet. A vegan diet can provide all the calcium you need from plant-based sources. Foods such as dark leafy greens, tofu, beans, nuts and seeds, amaranth, and blackstrap molasses are high in calcium and easily absorbed by the body. In addition to promoting healthy bones and teeth, calcium is important for the proper function of your heart, muscles, nerves, and circulatory system.

If you're concerned about not getting enough calcium, consider taking a supplement or talking to your doctor about getting a blood test to check your levels. Women over 50 may need additional calcium to support bone health. By incorporating calcium-rich plant foods into your diet, you can easily meet your daily calcium needs while following a vegan lifestyle.