You may have heard that Vitamin D is important for your health, but what you may not know is that it can be found in some surprising places. Did you know that many fruits and vegetables are rich in Vitamin D?
Below we've compiled a list of some of the best sources of Vitamin D, so you can make sure you're getting enough. Enjoy!
Vitamin D Basics.
You've probably heard a lot about vitamin D recently. It's a hot topic, and for good reason. Vitamin D is essential for our health, and most of us aren't getting enough of it.
The good news is that vitamin D is found in a lot of delicious foods. And as a bonus, these foods are also high in other essential nutrients. So eating them is not only great for your vitamin D levels, but it's also good for your overall health.
In this article, we'll take a look at some of the best vitamin D-rich fruits and vegetables. We'll also discuss how you can add them to your diet to make sure you're getting the nutrients you need.
What Are High Vitamin D Fruits and Vegetables?
Not all fruits and vegetables are created equal. Some are richer in certain vitamins and minerals than others. For example, vitamin D is a nutrient that is essential for maintaining healthy bones, skin, and teeth. And guess what? Some fruits and vegetables are high in vitamin D!
Some of the best sources of vitamin D include salmon, eggs, fortified milk, mushrooms, and of course, some fruits and vegetables. So if you're looking for ways to up your intake of this important nutrient, look no further than your local grocery store. There are plenty of vitamin D-rich fruits and vegetables to choose from!
How to Get the Most Vitamin D Out of Your Produce.
When it comes to getting your daily dose of vitamin D, there's no need to go running to the pharmacy. In fact, you can find this nutrient in some of your favorite fruits and vegetables. Here are a few tips on how to get the most out of them:
First, make sure to eat a varied diet. That means incorporating different types of produce into your meals, as each one has a different vitamin D content.
Second, cook them the right way. Many of the best sources of vitamin D are also delicate and can be easily destroyed by cooking methods like boiling or baking. Try stir-frying or grilling instead.
Finally, know which fruits and vegetables are highest in vitamin D. Some of our top picks include mushrooms, salmon, sardines and eggs.
Food Safety With Vitamin D-Rich Produce.
Now that we’ve discussed the health benefits of Vitamin D-rich produce, let’s talk about food safety. Vitamin D is an important vitamin, but it’s important to make sure that you’re consuming it safely.
When handling fruits and vegetables, always make sure you wash them with cold water and a brush before consumption. This will help remove dirt, bacteria and any other contaminants that may be on the surface of the produce. Never buy or eat produce that has been sitting in direct sunlight for a long period of time, as it becomes vulnerable to bacteria growth.
When cooking Vitamin D-rich food, be mindful of the temperature at which you're cooking it. Overcooking can deplete the amount of Vitamin D in the food so I suggest steaming or lightly sautéing instead of boiling or frying. Lastly, store your produce properly—particularly leafy greens-- by storing them in air-tight containers to prevent moisture buildup which can lead to premature spoilage and loss of nutrients including vitamin D.
Ways to Cook With Vitamin D Rich Ingredients.
Let's now talk about ways to incorporate more vitamin D-rich fruits and vegetables into your diet. Here are a few recipes to get you started:
- Sweet Potato Fries: To amp up your regular sweet potato fries side dish, add a sprinkle of nutritional yeast—which is loaded with vitamin D - for an extra dose of flavor and nutrition.
- Spinach Salad: Toss together baby spinach, canned chickpeas, sliced grape tomatoes, avocado and walnuts for a vitamin D-rich salad. Drizzle with olive oil, lemon juice and freshly cracked pepper for an extra kick of flavor.
- Grilled Fish: Vitamin D is also found in fish like salmon, so why not whip up something delicious? Try grilling salmon filets with a drizzle of olive oil and seasoning of your choice - like black pepper or smoked paprika - to bring out the flavor.
Tips for Shopping for Vitamin D Produce.
Now that you know what produce to look for, here are some helpful tips for shopping for vitamin D rich fruits and vegetables. First and foremost, look for leafy greens that are fresh and vibrant in color. While frozen produces can last longer, they can also lose some of their nutritional value due to the freezing process. You should also try to buy organic produce whenever possible. Eating organic is important not only for getting the most vitamin D, but also because it means fewer pesticides, GMOs, and other chemicals in your diet!
When you get home from the store, make sure to store your fruits and vegetables properly in order to preserve their nutrient content. For leafy greens and cruciferous vegetables, wrap them in a damp paper towel before putting them in an airtight container or storage bag; this will help keep them fresh longer. Finally, be mindful of how long your produce has been sitting out—you want to eat them as soon as possible after purchase to maximize nutrient content!
Conclusion.
So, if you want to make sure you're getting your daily dose of vitamin D, make sure to add some of these vitamin D rich fruits and vegetables to your grocery list! Not only will they help keep you healthy, but they'll also add a bit of variety to your diet.