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Calcium: Benefits and Foods High in Calcium

Discover Calcium benefits, top sources for vegans and carnivores and their Calcium content per 100g.

Luke Gartland avatar
Written by Luke Gartland
Updated over 10 months ago

What is Calcium?

Calcium is a vital mineral that is essential for building and maintaining strong bones and teeth. It also plays a crucial role in muscle contraction, blood clotting, nerve transmission, and hormone secretion. The body needs a constant supply of calcium to support these functions.

Benefits of Calcium

  • Bone Health: Essential for the development and maintenance of strong bones and teeth.

  • Muscle Function: Necessary for muscle contraction and relaxation.

  • Nerve Transmission: Plays a key role in transmitting nerve impulses.

  • Blood Clotting: Critical for the process of blood coagulation.

  • Hormone Secretion: Involved in the release of hormones and enzymes.

Foods High in Calcium

Here are some foods rich in Calcium along with their approximate Calcium content per 100 grams and the percentage of the daily recommended value (DRV) they provide. The DRV for Calcium is approximately 1,000 milligrams (mg) for most adults.

Top Sources of Calcium for Carnivores

  1. Cheddar Cheese

    • Calcium content: 721 mg per 100g

    • % of Daily Need: 72%

    • Cheddar cheese is very high in calcium.

  2. Sardines (with bones)

    • Calcium content: 382 mg per 100g

    • % of Daily Need: 38%

    • Sardines are an excellent source of calcium, particularly when consumed with their bones.

  3. Salmon (canned with bones)

    • Calcium content: 232 mg per 100g

    • % of Daily Need: 23%

    • Canned salmon with bones provides a good amount of calcium.

  4. Milk

    • Calcium content: 125 mg per 100g

    • % of Daily Need: 12%

    • Milk is a well-known source of calcium.

  5. Yogurt

    • Calcium content: 110 mg per 100g

    • % of Daily Need: 11%

    • Yogurt is a dairy product rich in calcium.

Top Sources of Calcium for Vegans

  1. Chia Seeds

    • Calcium content: 631 mg per 100g

    • % of Daily Need: 63%

    • Chia seeds are an excellent plant-based source of calcium.

  2. Tofu (prepared with calcium sulfate)

    • Calcium content: 350 mg per 100g

    • % of Daily Need: 35%

    • Tofu prepared with calcium sulfate is an excellent source of calcium.

  3. Almonds

    • Calcium content: 264 mg per 100g

    • % of Daily Need: 26%

    • Almonds provide a significant amount of calcium.

  4. Collard Greens

    • Calcium content: 232 mg per 100g

    • % of Daily Need: 23%

    • Collard greens are rich in calcium.

  5. Kale

    • Calcium content: 150 mg per 100g

    • % of Daily Need: 15%

    • Kale is a leafy green that is high in calcium.

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