Oxalate Content in Dried Dates: A Vegan Calcium Source

Question
Dear Ms Karen McLaughlin,

I was just wondering could you please tell me if dried dates contain any oxalates? Also, I am a vegan and was wondering what foods are the best  source of calcium which can be absorbed?

Thanks,

Jenny

Answer
Hi Jenny,

I can't find any specific information on the oxalate content of dates; they are not listed in the "high" or "moderate" oxalate content categories of any of the food lists I have, so it's *likely* that they are low in oxalates, but I can't be 100% certain.

Good sources of calcium for vegans are fortified soymilk and calcium-fortified orange juice. Other plant-based sources of calcium include greens (like bok choy, broccoli, and kale), white beans, pinto beans, calcium-set tofu, almonds, almond butter, and tahini. A good resource for plant-based, high calcium recipes is _Calciyum_ by David and Rachelle Broneman (http://www.calciyum.com/). The book is out of print but is still available for sale at Amazon. It should also be available at your local library.

Hope that helps!

Karen
www.getfitwithkaren.com