Calcium is vital for strong bones and teeth, regulating muscle contractions including heartbeat, and making sure blood clots normally. Calcium is not only found in dairy products, there are many great sources of calcium that we can grow ourselves. Here is a list of plants that are high in calcium.

Calcium is present in a great many plants but the plants on this list are specifically plants that are high in calcium. Dark green leafy vegetables such as kale, broccoli and watercress are famously calcium-rich, but there are many other fantastic sources of calcium that we can easily grow in our gardens and allotments here in the UK.

It is a common misconception that calcium is a white liquid and only found in dairy products. Two cups of broccoli will provide you with the same amount of calcium as a glass of milk, but with the added benefit that plant calcium is better absorbed by the human body compared to animal milk.

Plants that are high in calcium:

• Broccoli
• Cabbage
• Kale
• Cauliflower
• *Spinach
• Watercress
• Brussels Sprouts
• *Chard
• Leeks
• Collard Greens
• Mustard Greens
• Pak Choi
• Okra
• Turnip Greens
• *Beet Greens
• Parsley
• Peas
• Asparagus
• Celeriac
• Hazelnuts
• Walnuts

*Spinach, chard and beets are high in calcium, but it is important to be aware that they also contain something called Oxalate which can interfere with the absorption of calcium by the human body. If you consume large or regular quantities of these plants it is recommended that they should be boiled or steamed first as this can significantly reduce the oxalate content*