Summer Foods Rich in Vitamin D

Here are five more summer foods rich in vitamin D you should include in your diet.

Vitamin D is a fat soluble nutrient required for proper immune functioning, control of cell growth and bone development. It is often called the “sunshine vitamin” as the body naturally produces it when exposed to the sun. Vitamin D regulates cellular growth and promotes calcium absorption in the body, leading to stronger bones.

Natural sources of vitamin D are limited. However, many packaged foods like soy drinks, orange juice, butter and milk come fortified with vitamin D. Here are five more summer foods rich in vitamin D you should include in your diet.

  1. Mushrooms – Summer is a great season for mushrooms which are one of the most viable sources of vitamin D. Mushrooms are exposed to the sun’s ultraviolet rays while growing, which increases their vitamin D value. The amount of vitamin D varies according to type and variety. White mushrooms, better known as button mushrooms are an excellent source of vitamin D. Four shiitake mushrooms provide a modest 3% of the vitamin D RDA and 140 calories. A cup of diced mushrooms provides a hearty 64% of the vitamin D RDA, while also being extremely low in calories.
  2. Eggs – There are so many delicious summer egg dishes, from deviled eggs to egg salad. A whole, large egg can provide you with 7% of the vitamin D RDA. The yolk of the egg can help you get 6% of the vitamin D RDA. Egg yolk also provides nutrients like vitamins A, E, K, D, iron and zinc. Eggs also contain protein, sulfur, essential amino acids and choline.
  3. Salmon – Fatty fish like salmon with a high oil content are excellent sources of vitamin D. 100 grams of salmon provides 91% of the vitamin D RDA. Besides providing vitamin D, oily fish can also help you obtain nutrients like omega 3-fatty acids, calcium, protein and phosphorus.
  4. Milk – Most store-bought milk is fortified with vitamin D. You need to drink high amounts of fortified milk to stay healthy and fit. One cup of fortified milk will provide 21% of the vitamin D RDA.  After a hot summer workout, a cold glass of milk can also help your muscles recover.
  5. Soy – Soy products like tofu and tempeh are foods rich in calcium and vitamin D. Make sure you check the nutritional label before purchasing soy products. A 100-gram serving of fortified tofu can provide you with 39% of the vitamin D RDA. Tofu is also an excellent source of protein.

 

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