10 great calcium-rich foods

According to the Osteoporosis Society of Canada, there are 1.4 million Canadians who suffer from osteoporosis, a bone-weakening disease that leaves bones fragile and susceptible to fractures. You may know that calcium is a big factor in prevention, but how much do you really need and which foods deliver sufficient calcium to keep your bones healthy and strong?

Women between the ages of 19 - 50 need 1,000 mg of calcium per day, and women over 50 should be striving for 1,500 mg, according to The Osteoporosis Society of Canada. This may seem like a lot, but it's actually fairly easy to reach your recommended daily intake if you choose the right foods. We've all been told that milk is the best source of calcium and, according to Health Canada's Food Guide to Healthy Eating, adults should consume 2 - 4 servings of dairy per day, but if you're intolerant to dairy products or simply want to get calcium from other sources, read on:

10 great calcium sources

1. Sardines
My dad's favourite snack has always been a sardine sandwich and, as a kid, I would turn my nose up and think he was crazy. But Dad was on the right track because 3-1/2 oz. of sardines provide the body with 370 mg of calcium. That's more than one cup of milk. Sardines should be eaten with their soft bones because the bones hold up to 50 per cent of the calcium of the fish.

2. Yogurt
Not only does yogurt provide you with beneficial bacterial cultures, which keep your immune system strong and your digestive tract healthy, it also provides a whopping 300 mg of calcium per 3/4 cup serving.

3. Salmon
Salmon has been praised for its high content of omega-3 fatty acids, but it's also a powerhouse when it comes to calcium. 3 oz. of salmon (with bones) delivers 180 mg of calcium and is a delicious alternative to chicken or meat for those nice summer barbeques.

4. Blackstrap molasses
There's something comforting about some warm gingerbread with a nice cup of tea. It's also comforting to know that the molasses that's gone into the recipe contains 170 mg of calcium per serving.

5. Amaranth
Amaranth is one of the newest grains to hit health-food shelves, even though it's been around for a while. You will see it in various cereals and crackers, but it's even more delicious and nutritious when it's made fresh at home. A 1/2 cup provides the body with 150 mg of calcium, and it's a great alternative to pasta or rice when used as a side dish.

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