Anti-Aging Foods That Support Strong Bones

53. Watermelon Seeds: Copper and Iron for Bone Marrow

Watermelon seeds, often discarded, are a concentrated source of essential minerals vital for the bone's internal health. They provide high levels of Copper, a trace mineral that acts as a cofactor for enzymes that cross-link collagen and elastin, giving the bone matrix its strength and flexibility. They are also rich in Iron, which is critical for red blood cell production within the bone marrow. Consuming sprouted, roasted, or dried watermelon seeds ensures you provide your skeletal system with the necessary building blocks for robust bone structure and healthy, functioning marrow.

54. Nutritional Yeast: Bioavailable B12 and Protein

For plant-based diets, nutritional yeast is a unique bone-supportive food due to its rich, bioavailable source of Vitamin B12 and high-quality protein. B12 is essential for keeping homocysteine levels low (preventing arterial and bone collagen damage) and for supporting osteoblast (bone-building cell) activity. Since B12 is scarce in plant foods, supplementing with fortified nutritional yeast—sprinkled on popcorn, salads, or mixed into sauces—is an easy, flavorful, and powerful method to ensure nerve, blood, and bone health are maintained.