No, dates are not considered high in calcium, but they do contain some.
While dates offer various essential minerals, their calcium content is not particularly high compared to other calcium-rich foods. For instance, a single medjool date provides 15.4 mg of calcium.
Calcium Content in Dates
Here's a breakdown of the calcium content in a medjool date, according to the reference:
| Nutrient | Amount (mg) |
|---|---|
| Calcium | 15.4 |
| Potassium | 167 |
| Phosphorus | 14.9 |
While 15.4 mg of calcium might seem minimal, it's important to remember that dates can still contribute to your overall daily mineral intake as part of a balanced diet.
Calcium Sources
To get a better understanding of whether dates are high in calcium, let's look at some common sources known to be rich in calcium:
- Dairy Products: Milk, yogurt, and cheese are excellent sources of calcium.
- Leafy Greens: Vegetables like kale and collard greens have good amounts of calcium.
- Fortified Foods: Many plant-based milks, cereals, and juices are fortified with calcium.
Comparing the 15.4 mg of calcium in a date to these, it's clear dates do not provide as significant amount of calcium as the others.
Practical Insights
- Dates are beneficial for a variety of nutrients but should not be relied upon as a primary calcium source.
- If you're looking to increase calcium intake, pair dates with calcium-rich foods like dairy or leafy greens.
In conclusion, while dates do contain calcium, it is not at a level that can be considered high when compared to other sources.
