One of the most frequent questions I get asked is how to get enough calcium in your diet while you’re adhering to a vegan lifestyle.
Even though we think that calcium is only found in dairy products like milk, yogurt and cheese, calcium is actually readily available in a number of plant-based foods. Leafy vegetables like kale, cruciferous veggies like broccoli and protein sources like sesame seeds are excellent non-dairy sources of calcium.
While we consume dairy to keep our bones and teeth strong, keep in mind that countries with the highest dairy consumption also have the highest rates of osteoporosis.
Dairy is a very acidic food according to the pH scale and calcium is the #1 mineral that the body uses to buffer against excess acidity. So when you eat dairy products, you may actually end up losing calcium as your body works hard to offset the acid-producing effect of the food.
Milk is one of the most popular forms of getting enough calcium but the dairy industry is fraught with problems that trickle down into the milk you add to your tea.
If you are intrigued about how tainted our milk supply has become, Dr. Robert Cohen’s book, “Milk – The Deadly Poison” is a must read. Dr. Cohen pointedly discusses how most of our supermarket milk is filled with an extensive list of antibiotics, virus particles, antibody-resistant bacteria and host of other particles and substances that you would never want being poured over your morning bowl of cereal. He also talks about how the deregulatory and sometimes corrupt practices of the FDA have enabled the downward and unhealthy spiral of our milk supply.
And remember: From calcium-rich foods to taking the proper supplements, you can daily get the adequate amount of this powerful mineral in your diet without eating dairy products.
