"The importance of calcium really can't be overstated. It strengthens our bones and our teeth, can help keep our blood pressure low, keeps our nerves communicating effectively with each other, and is even thought to help prevent cancer. We need calcium, and our bodies don't make it. We have to get it from other sources, and food is a much healthier way to do this than supplements - especially fruits and vegetables."
"Prickly pear is an edible cactus fruit that grows worldwide but primarily in the Western Hemisphere and is especially prevalent in Mexico and the Southwestern United States. Prickly pear boasts 83 milligrams of calcium per cup. That's compared to 72 milligrams in 1 cup of oranges or tangerines, 42 milligrams for the same amount of blackberries, and just 6 milligrams in one medium-sized banana."
"Your best bet of finding prickly pear is in your supermarket's international section, or specialty food shops. The fruits look like slightly larger kiwis, but instead of brown fuzz, they have a spiky skin that can be a sunset-esque mix of pink and yellow. The flavor of prickly pears is sweet and has been likened to watermelon crossed with strawberries or bubblegum. However you eat them, you need to discard the skin before eating."
Calcium is essential for strong bones and teeth, blood pressure regulation, nerve communication, and may help prevent cancer. The body cannot produce calcium, so dietary sources are necessary, and foods are healthier sources than supplements, especially fruits and vegetables. Expanding the range of calcium-rich fruits makes daily intake easier to manage. Prickly pear stands out with 83 milligrams of calcium per cup, surpassing oranges, blackberries, and bananas in equivalent portions. Prickly pear also contains antioxidants and fiber. The fruit is commonly available in international or specialty grocery sections and requires peeling before eating.
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