Any season, around 70% of Americans have insufficient levels of vitamin D, but levels can drop even more in the winter months. UV-B radiation from the sun allows our skin to produce vitamin D, but when it’s cold out, some of us won’t get enough sun exposure. Certain areas of the US also have inadequate amounts of sunshine in the winter months anyway.
When it comes to getting enough vitamin D, diet becomes even more important in the winter. Research has shown that vitamin D plays a crucial role in activating the immune system, plus low circulating levels of vitamin D have been associated with increased mortality from cancer. Vitamin D also plays a role in protecting against heart disease, reducing inflammation and keeping blood pressure in check. Read more about vitamin D research at Science Daily.
Katherine Brooking — Registered Dietitian, writer, nutrition expert and co-host of msn’s “The Victory Project” — recommends boosting your vitamin D intake with calcium-fortified citrus juices like orange juice and fatty fish, such as salmon, mackerel, sardines and shrimp. She also suggests increasing consumption of dairy products like milk, yogurt and cheese fortified with vitamin D.
Other great sources of vitamin D you may have overlooked include mushrooms and eggs. Brooking mentioned that an egg, any style, contains 10% of your recommended Daily Value (DV) of vitamin D, while four or five white button mushrooms provide 4% DV. She recommends tossing some mushrooms into your salad or pairing them with your favorite protein for a nutrient boost.
Do you think you get less sun exposure in the winter months?
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Post from: Blisstree