Vitamin D is known as the sunshine vitamin. This is probably why few of us think we can find it in our fridge. However, this is a major misconception at the root of some health problems.
The sun is not strong enough for the body to produce vitamin D from October to May, especially for people living in the north, says Althea Zanekoski, spokeswoman for the American Dietetic Association.
That's probably why nearly half of the people surveyed in late winter were low in vitamin D, according to a University of Maine study.
This all adds up to a big problem because vitamin D is linked to bone health, helps regulate the immune system, lowers blood pressure, prevents depression and lowers the risk of type 2 diabetes and several types of cancer.
It is important to know that vitamin D is not only obtained through sunlight, but also through some important vitamin D foods. Here are some valuable ways to get more of the important sunshine vitamin, which is so essential to good health and mood.
1. Emphasize wild-caught fish (salmon, trout, mackerel).
2. Include beef and veal liver at your table.
3. Eat at least 1 egg yolk a day.
4. Occasionally replace the classic cheese with tofu.
5. Drink at least 1 glass of fresh orange juice a day.
6. Include cereal in your menu for breakfast.
7. Sometimes replace animal milk with almond or soy, which are also a good source of vitamin D.
