Stir Fried Vegetables with Tofu – Image Courtesy: Alpha
Strengthening your bones and teeth may not be your top priority if you’re already young and fit, but as you get older, your ability to build up your bones will diminish, and eventually disappear completely. It’s important for you to take advantage of your youth and build up your bones now. But, of course, as an older person, you should continue good eating habits that will encourage bone health and prevent further damage.
Here are some of the best foods for those who are conscious about keeping their teeth and bones in tip-top shape:
1. Cheese
While many avoid cheese for weight-loss reasons, it is a nutrient-dense food that is great for many aspects of your health. On top of its high calcium content, it also contains a slightly misunderstood mineral called Vitamin K2. This vitamin assists in calcium regulation ensuring that the calcium is going towards strengthening bones and not towards clogging your arteries. If you’re not a fan of cheese, most other dairy products are great for bone strength.
2. Tofu
Tofu may seem like a simple food, but its health benefits are not to be underestimated. It is made from soya curd, which is rich in calcium. It is also full of isoflavones which have been connected to reducing the risk of osteoporosis later in life. You can also receive these benefits by drinking soy milk.
3. Orange Juice
Orange juice is another great calcium option for those who are lactose intolerant. While the acid in citrus fruits can sometimes be harmful to teeth enamel, fortified orange juice is much milder and can create a plaque barrier over the surface of the teeth. Be sure to look for orange juice specifically fortified with calcium and vitamin D.
4. Collard Greens
Leafy green vegetables in general are a source of vitamin K, a great mineral for preventing bone fractures. Collard greens are one of the more densely-nutritious vegetables, alongside with its close relative kale. Kale is rich in calcium and potassium, and is a perfect diet supplement for those looking to boost their teeth and bone health.
5. Sardines
A natural source of calcium, sardines are packed with a great deal of nutrients in a condensed form. A 3 oz can of sardines gives you the same amount of calcium and vitamin D as a full glass of milk. Other great bone-strengthening fish include salmon and tuna.
6. Sesame Seeds
Not a terribly common diet supplement, the wonderful benefits of sesame seeds are often overlooked. Sesame seeds are rich in calcium, as well as zinc. Zinc has been linked to osteoporosis, as severe zinc deficiencies are commonly found in sufferers of the disease. For those looking to include sesame seeds in their diet, a middle-Eastern paste called “tahini,” primarily made out of mashed seeds, is a great option.
Taking good care of your bones and teeth now will save you a lot of trouble in the future. Exercising, teeth whitening, and getting Invisalign braces will only go so far in promoting a beautiful smile and posture. Keep your diet bone-conscious, and your bones will take care of you for the rest of your life.
Chris Miller is a professional writer, blogger, and English grammar enthusiast. Chris enjoys learning about new health products, procedures, and ideas. For more information on Invisalign braces, visit Charlotte Dentistry at their website.
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