Calcium Rich Recipes for Osteoporosis for Senior Citizens

Calcium is an important mineral at every stage in life. In the beginning years it is necessary for growth and development of bones. As we grow and age this mineral gains more and more importance in our life. This is because as we age the body’s capacity to absorb calcium decreases and the bone mass decreases. Moreover above the age of 60, this mineral is all the more vital to maintain bone density when there are high chances of minor falls, fractures, joint pain and sprains. Hence a minimum of 1000 to 1200 mg of calcium is a must after the age of 60 for the bones to be able to support our body.

Nachni Dosa, Ragi Dosa Made with Whole Nachni

We understand that at this age the appetite decreases and also sets in other minor problems like poor digestion, low absorption, acidity, issues with chewing and so on… But you need to choose calcium rich ingredients and incorporate them in your regular diet. You need not change your cooking method or twist your menu drastically.

Grace your pantry with these calcium laden foods….

1. Dairy products like milk, curd, paneer and buttermilk. Known as ‘the God’s nectar’, buttermilk is a real boon for senior citizens. It needs no chewing and helps to relieve acidity and aid in digestion. Form a habit of having a glass of buttermilk after meals daily. A thick glass of buttermilk can make up 35% of your day’s requirement for calcium. Learn how to make the perfect buttermilk.

Curd is a probiotic and its healthy bacteria are suitable for the stomach. Use it to make raitas in the form or Mint Raita or choose soft fruits to make Strawberry and Black Grape Raita. Apart from calcium, these raita are a great way to top up with a dose of antioxidants too.

Mint Raita ( Phudina Raita)

2. Whole cereals specially ragi. Also known as nachni, you can opt for its whole grain or try experimenting with its flour. While whole ragi can be used to khichdi, but that’s slightly difficult to chew for senior citizens who have chewing problem. So we have a soft Nachni Dosa for them to indulge into. Do try it with your favourite sambar for some additional calcium.

Nachni flour can be used to create sumptuous delicacies like Nachni Ladoo and Nachni Methi Muthia. Each nachni ladoo lends 41.3 mg of calcium.

3. Pulses like moong, moath beans, chana, rajma etc. Sprouted pulses are a better source of calcium as sprouting increases the calcium content. While some may have a feeling of bloating with pulses, there are a few people who can handle pulses and sprouts even after the age of 60. They should include pulses and sprouts in the form of Sprouts Pancakes (7% calcium requirement fulfilled per pancake) and Sprouts and Palak Idli (6% calcium requirement fulfilled from 3 idlis). If you notice both these recipes are soft and easy to chew and digest as well. Additional advantage of these delicacies is that you can serve them for any of your meal throughout the day – breakfast, lunch, snacks or dinner.

Sprouts Pancakes

4. Nuts and oilseeds like almonds, walnuts, peanuts, sesame seeds (til) etc. Can’t imagine chewing them every day? No worries. Culinary world has expanded a lot over the years. These calcium rich nuts can be powdered and even baked to create a wholesome fare.

Powder walnuts and combine them dates to make dainty Date and Walnut Balls. Have 2 of these before going for your daily walk in the morning or evening. They are sure to keep up your energy levels.

Almonds can be put to use as well by creating a magical nourishing bread in the form of Almond Bread. Made with almonds, almond milk and flax seeds, this Almond bread is surely a far excellent choice. Spread some Homemade Peanut Butter on it and you are set to enjoy a nourishing breakfast.

Homemade Peanut Butter, for Weight Loss and Athletes

Sesame seeds is another magnificent source of calcium which no senior citizen should miss out on. A tbsp. of til gives around 100 mg of calcium which in reality is a whooping amount. If you can chew then relish the crunchy Nachni Sesame Khakhra. Make them and store them in an air-tight container and enjoy when hunger strikes at any time of the day. And if you want to try out some soft food using til, then turn towards Beetroot and Sesame Roti.

5. Include a variety of green vegetables. Greens spinach, amaranth, colocassia, fenugreek etc. contain both calcium and oxalate. The latter is a mineral which hinders calcium absorption in the body. But that doesn’t mean that you avoid the greens completely. Greens will yet add on some calcium to your daily meals. Moreover greens will also provide other antioxidants to keep you healthy at this age.

Try including greens in the form of Moong Dal with Spinach or Methi Palak Paneer Subzi along with the phulkas.

Moong Dal with Spinach

Broccoli is a non-green leafy veggie which is a good source of calcium. Available all through the year now, you can rely on it for a calcium rich meal. How about a hot bowl of Broccoli Soup? It also has another source of calcium, which is milk. With 143.4 mg of calcium per serving, this soup is surely worth a try.

Don’t forget to include these recipes in your diet along with an appropriate dose of exercise under your doctors or trainers guidance to keep your bones healthy.

Broccoli Soup ( Calcium Rich)