If you need a refresher after a long winter, vitamin D is the way to go!Vitamin D can be the tool you need to provide your body with mood-boosting, disease-fighting, and bone-building benefits.Add vitamin D-rich foods to your shopping list and enjoy time in the sun while your body makes vitamin D for all the benefits.
What’s the hot topic behind vitamin D?The anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and neuroprotective properties of vitamin D support immune health, muscle function, and brain cell activity.
Additionally, vitamin D is a fat-soluble vitamin that your body needs to build and maintain healthy bones.Your body can absorb calcium (the main component of bones) only when vitamin D is present.Your body also produces vitamin D when direct sunlight converts chemicals in your skin into the active form of the vitamin (calciferol).Studies have shown that vitamin D can reduce the growth of cancer cells, help control infections and reduce inflammation.Many organs and tissues of the body have receptors for vitamin D, suggesting an important role in addition to bone health.
Vitamin D is not found naturally in many foods; however, vitamin D can be found in salmon, eggs, mushrooms, and fortified foods.Incorporate these vitamin D-rich foods into your diet using these easy ways:
• Salmon – Add cooked or smoked salmon to any fresh green salad for a boost of vitamin D and protein.
• Eggs – Eggs are not just for breakfast!Consider hard-boiled eggs as a vitamin D-rich afternoon snack.
• Mushrooms – Try a “mix” where chopped mushrooms are added to ground beef to add bulk while reducing overall saturated fat and providing a good source of vitamin D.
1. Preheat the oven to 400 degrees.Line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper; set aside.Wipe mushrooms clean; scrape gills and remove stems.Place mushrooms, lid side down, on prepared baking sheet.Drizzle with 1 tablespoon olive oil.Bake in the oven for 5 minutes.Remove from oven.Season with salt and pepper; set aside.
2. While the mushrooms are roasting, heat the remaining 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.Add chickpeas and sweet potatoes; cook 10 minutes or until lightly browned.Stir in the zucchini and red and yellow bell peppers.
3. Season with salt and black pepper.Spoon the sweet potato mixture into each mushroom.Top with cheese.Bake for another 5 minutes or until cheese is melted.
Post time: Apr-24-2022