Beyond dairy: Leafy greens offer another source of calcium

Milk and dairy products are often the first foods associated with calcium, but they are not the only sources. A number of leafy vegetables can also provide useful amounts of the mineral.

Calcium helps maintain healthy bones and teeth. It also supports the normal functioning of muscles and nerves, making an adequate intake important beyond skeletal health alone.

Leafy greens can contribute to that intake as part of a varied diet. However, calcium content differs between vegetables, and the amount a food contains is not necessarily the amount the body absorbs.

For people looking beyond dairy, the practical approach is to include a range of calcium-containing foods rather than rely on a single source. Leafy vegetables can be part of that mix, alongside other foods suited to individual dietary needs.