FOOD FOR THOUGHT The Importance of a Vitamin D-Rich Diet
Vitamin D, best known as the “sunshine vitamin,” is uniquely both a nutrient we eat and a hormone our body makes when exposed to sunlight. While our bodies need vitamin D to absorb calcium, allowing us to build and fortify our bones, it does far more than that. The fat-soluble vitamin is also an anti-inflammatory and helps our
While a 3.5-ounce serving of farmed salmon contains about 526 IU, a serving of wild-caught salmon may contain significantly more and may even exceed the daily recommendation.
A 3.5-ounce serving of herring or sardines will net you around 200 IU, or about a third of your daily
recommended vitamin D. You can also obtain trace amounts of vitamin D from foods such as egg yolks, cheese, and beef liver.
brains and immune systems function. According to the Mayo Clinic, the daily recommendation for vitamin D intake for the vast majority of the population is around 600 international units or IU. However, unlike many other nutrients, not many foods naturally contain a large amount of vitamin D. Whether natural or fortified, here are the best foods to add to your diet to help you hit the recommended daily vitamin D intake. Natural Sources of Vitamin D If you are searching for a natural vitamin D
Artificial Sources of Vitamin D If you do not mind using artificial
sources to hit your daily recommended dose of vitamin D, then your best bet is a supplement. A great source is cod liver oil, which contains 450 IU of vitamin D per teaspoon. For those who don’t enjoy seafood, fortified milk is a great way to hit your daily recommended intake.
No matter how you acquire your vitamin D, the benefits are worth the effort. From helping revitalize cell growth to keeping your bones strong and healthy, vitamin D is a nutrient you should consider incorporating more of into your diet.
source, you will likely have to get your feet wet. Some of the best natural sources of vitamin D are fatty fish like salmon, herring, sardines, and tuna.
TAKE A BREAK!
This recipe is packed with protein-rich quinoa and a colorful array of vegetables. It’s ideal for a healthy lunch or a quick dinner! QUINOA VEGGIE BOWL
INGREDIENTS
• 2 tbsp olive oil • 1 red bell pepper, diced • 1 yellow bell pepper, diced • 1 cup diced zucchini
• 1 cup diced mushrooms • 1 tsp dried oregano • Salt and pepper, to taste • 2 cups cooked quinoa
DIRECTIONS
1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. 2. Add bell peppers, zucchini, and mushrooms and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. 3. Add oregano, salt, and pepper and stir to combine.
4. Add the cooked quinoa and mix thoroughly. 5. Cook for an additional 5 minutes, then serve.
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