You learn from an early age that calcium builds strong bones and teeth, but it has a number of other health benefits as well. This beneficial mineral also helps to regulate your blood pressure, maintains healthy blood vessels, and even aids in preventing Type 2 diabetes. Now that you know why you should eat calcium, here are a few lesser-known ways to get it.

1. White beans. Beans get a good reputation because of their high levels of protein, but white beans are also very high in calcium as well. In fact, just one cup of canned white beans provides 191 milligrams of calcium, which is about 19% of your daily value. These creamy, mild legumes are great in a hearty chili or mashed as a chickpea substitute in homemade hummus.
2. Sardines. While these tiny fish may have made you squeamish as a child, sardines are actually one of the healthiest fish that you can eat. Like a lot of seafood, they’re rich in omega 3s, but they also provide 321 milligrams of calcium in just seven sardine filets. Many people choose to eat them plain, but if you prefer to cut down on the fishy flavor, you can also add sardines to a salad.

18 Surprising Dairy-Free Sources of Calcium [Greatist]
18 Surprising Dairy-Free Sources of Calcium [HuffPost Healthy Living]

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Allens Boots is the place for boots in Austin's South Congress shopping district. The knowledgeable and friendly staff will help you maneuver through the rows of beautiful boots to find what you're looking for. Allens carries popular brands like Frye and Tony Lama and also offers a custom made boot service through Lucchese Boot Company. There are boots that fit every budget and every occasion, from weddings to field work.

Besides the massive selection of footwear, there is Western clothing and cowboy hats for sale, too. Ladies will enjoy slipping on a new pair of Miss Me's, and there's a good selection of Wranglers as well. Allens Boots is a great place to take out of state visitors. They'll get a kick out of the cowboy styles and the staff's Southern hospitality.

Allens Boots
1522 South Congress Avenue
Austin, TX 78704
(512) 447-1413
http://www.allensboots.com/
http://www.yelp.com/biz/allens-boots-austin

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If you’re new to Austin and find yourself needing some essential pieces for your home, locals will gladly point you in the direction of Simply Austin Furniture. This locally-owned treasure has found bargains for literally thousands of happy homemakers over the years.

When you walk in, you’ll notice that the showroom doesn’t have a lot of frills, but what they lack in ambiance they pass on to you in low prices; they have a knack for offering specific items at well below catalog price. Owner Penny Britton is an expert at finding exactly what’s important to you at your desired price point. All of the sales staff here are expertly trained and super friendly, willing to take as much time as you need to select the perfect piece.

One of the best things about Simply Austin is that they stand by the quality of their goods 100%: if your furniture wears out, they’ve been known to replace items no questions asked.

Simply Austin Furniture
3405 S. Congress Avenue
Austin, TX 78704
(512) 447-5151
simplyaustinfurniture.com
www.yelp.com/biz/simply-austin-furniture-austin

CC-BY-2.0/Flickr/chapter3