We all know vitamins are essential to good health, but do you know why? Today we're talking about Vitamin D -- one of the most plentiful vitamins this time of year.
Why is Vitamin D Healthy?
Making sure you get your daily recommended allowance of vitamin D each day helps your body absorb calcium, which leads to strong bones and teeth. The vitamin also keeps your immune system balanced, is needed for nerve functioning and muscle movement.
Babies up to one year of age need 400 IU of Vitamin D each day. From ages 1 to 70, 600 IU of the vitamin are recommended by the United States Office of Dietary Supplements. Senior citizens age 71 and older should bump up their Vitamin D intake to 800 IU each day.
Getting a Vitamin D Fix
During the sunny days of spring and summer it's easy to get enough Vitamin D. Take a quick break outside in the sun. By exposing the backs of your hands to direct sunlight for 10 to 15 minutes two to three times each week you'll be set, according to Everyday Health. Just don't overdo it -- or your skin will be prone to premature wrinkling!
But, this wouldn't be a whole foods blog without telling you how to get vitamin D in your diet, now would it? During the dreary days of winter, or when you simply can't slip away for a soak in the sun, eat your vitamin D. Try adding these whole foods to your diet:
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| Fresh Salmon. Photo courtesy Wikimedia Commons. |
Why is Vitamin D Healthy?
Making sure you get your daily recommended allowance of vitamin D each day helps your body absorb calcium, which leads to strong bones and teeth. The vitamin also keeps your immune system balanced, is needed for nerve functioning and muscle movement.
Babies up to one year of age need 400 IU of Vitamin D each day. From ages 1 to 70, 600 IU of the vitamin are recommended by the United States Office of Dietary Supplements. Senior citizens age 71 and older should bump up their Vitamin D intake to 800 IU each day.
Getting a Vitamin D Fix
During the sunny days of spring and summer it's easy to get enough Vitamin D. Take a quick break outside in the sun. By exposing the backs of your hands to direct sunlight for 10 to 15 minutes two to three times each week you'll be set, according to Everyday Health. Just don't overdo it -- or your skin will be prone to premature wrinkling!
But, this wouldn't be a whole foods blog without telling you how to get vitamin D in your diet, now would it? During the dreary days of winter, or when you simply can't slip away for a soak in the sun, eat your vitamin D. Try adding these whole foods to your diet:
- Fresh white mushrooms
- Salmon
- Egg yolks
- Tuna
How do you prefer to get your vitamin D? In the sun, or on your plate? Comment below!
Until Next Time,
Choose Healthy!
Angela Tague
Whole Foods Living
PS: Want to know more about vitamins? Check out some of my previous posts:
Energy-Boosting B Vitamins
Juicing Carrots: A Burst of Vitamin A
What Does Vitamin C Do?
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Until Next Time,
Choose Healthy!
Angela Tague
Whole Foods Living
PS: Want to know more about vitamins? Check out some of my previous posts:
Energy-Boosting B Vitamins
Juicing Carrots: A Burst of Vitamin A
What Does Vitamin C Do?
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