Unfortunately for some of us, spinach is on the do not eat list, primarily because of the oxalates. If you also have chronic kidney disease like I do, oxalate is often something you have to put under consideration. My nephrologist has told me, no spinach. This does often make choosing a meal difficult as so many salads automatically contain spinach. Frozen quiche often has it as well as other premade items because spinach is generally considered to be a healthy diet inclusion
October 4
Great question! Spinach does contain oxalates, which are natural compounds that can bind to calcium and reduce how much your body absorbs from spinach itself. So while spinach does contain calcium, it's not the most efficient source of it.
That said, spinach is still a worthwhile addition to a bone-healthy diet for people Show Full Answer
Great question! Spinach does contain oxalates, which are natural compounds that can bind to calcium and reduce how much your body absorbs from spinach itself. So while spinach does contain calcium, it's not the most efficient source of it.
That said, spinach is still a worthwhile addition to a bone-healthy diet for people with osteoporosis. Here's why:
- Spinach pairs well with other calcium-rich foods (like cheese or fortified milk) where the calcium is more easily absorbed
- It provides other nutrients that support overall health
- It can be easily added to smoothies, scrambles, and soups alongside more bioavailable calcium sources
The key is variety! Relying on spinach alone for calcium isn't ideal, but combining it with other calcium-rich foods like fortified plant milks, tofu, sesame seeds, kale, or dairy products can help you hit your daily target of 1,000–1,200 mg of calcium.
As always, it's worth chatting with your doctor or a dietitian about the best dietary approach for your specific situation.
October 3