Vitamin D is an essential nutrient that plays a crucial role in maintaining healthy bones, teeth, and muscles. It's also important for regulating the immune system and reducing inflammation.
While the best source of vitamin D is sunlight, certain foods can also help increase your vitamin D intake. Here are some foods that are great for vitamin D:
-
Fatty fish: Salmon, tuna, and mackerel are excellent sources of vitamin D. A 3-ounce serving of cooked salmon provides about 447 international units (IU) of vitamin D.
-
Egg yolks: Egg yolks are a good source of vitamin D. One large egg yolk provides about 37 IU of vitamin D.
-
Fortified milk: Many brands of milk are fortified with vitamin D. One cup of fortified milk provides about 120-130 IU of vitamin D.
-
Fortified orange juice: Some brands of orange juice are also fortified with vitamin D. One cup of fortified orange juice provides about 100 IU of vitamin D.
-
Mushrooms: Mushrooms that are exposed to UV light during growth can provide a good source of vitamin D. One cup of sliced, cooked mushrooms provides about 400 IU of vitamin D.
-
Fortified cereals: Some brands of cereals are fortified with vitamin D. Check the label to ensure that the cereal provides at least 10% of the daily value of vitamin D.
Including these vitamin D-rich foods in your diet can help increase your vitamin D intake. It's also important to get regular sunlight exposure, but be sure to wear sunscreen and limit exposure during peak sun hours to prevent skin damage.