Did you know that even if you get the recommended amount of calcium in your diet, you might not be absorbing that calcium? If you’re not absorbing calcium (through your intestines and into the blood), then your body can’t use it. Calcium is most known for strong bones and teeth, but it also helps with muscle contraction and nerve function, blood vessel constriction, and insulin release. It can play a role in preventing certain types of cancers, bone diseases, and high blood pressure. But it can only do all of these things if it is first being absorbed into the blood.

It’s a well-proven, but not so well known fact that Vitamin C (and others) increases absorption of calcium. You can find Vitamin C in foods like oranges, mangoes, berries, pineapple, watermelon, and many more. Try incorporating some of these foods with your calcium containing foods (yogurt, cheese, fortified cereals, almond milk, leafy greens, and salmon) to get the most bang for your calcium buck. 😉

A great recipe to try out this vitamin/mineral pair is this Jack-o-lantern Citrus and Granola Parfait! Start Halloween morning off in a right (and fun) way this year by making this cute halloween themed breakfast before the kids head off to school. This recipe feeds 2 but can easily be multiplied to fit your needs.

What you’ll need:

• 2 Large Navel oranges
• 1 c Greek Yogurt – use plain, or look for lower sugar options like Yoplait 100
• 1/2 c granola (I used ‘Honey Gone Nuts’ granola from HEB’s Bulk section, but any will work)
• 10-12 rasperries
• 1/4 c mixed nuts and dried fruit
• Optional: honey or agave for topping

How to do it:

1. Slice the top part of a large orange off (about 1-1.5″ down)

2. The peel of the orange isn’t very thick, so be careful when doing this next step. Take a sharp knife and separate the flesh of the orange from the peel. I stuck my knife close to the inside and made a circle all the way around the diameter first, and then gently pulled back with a fork to get the top part out. The bottom pieces should be a little easier to get out. It’s ok if not all of the fruit makes it out! (We want some of that Vitamin C!)

3. Once the flesh is out, cut out a face for your orange.

4. The hard part is over! Now for the filling. Lay a small handful of granola on the bottom of the orange, follow with 1/2 c yogurt, then dried fruit and nuts, and lastly your berries or other fruit. You can also sprinkle some granola and fruit on top for garnish.

5. Drizzle a little honey over the top and you’ve got a sweet, healthy, and hearty breakfast while having a little fun with it too.