Vitamin D is HOT
The morning talk shows, blogs, newspapers, and magazines have jumped on the many scientific studies that show how important Vitamin D is to our health. Even traditional medical doctors are testing their patient’s D levels.
Vitamin D deficiency has been indicated in different cancers and heart disease, and studies have shown that Vita D can help prevent osteoporosis. Vitamin D deficiency is associated with low bone mass and osteoporosis because vitamin D is needed to absorb calcium from the diet. Low levels of vitamin D have also been linked with poor muscle strength and other chronic conditions, such as autoimmune disease.
If you live north of South Carolina, you are almost certain to be deficient, so join me on this Vita D bandwagon.
Doctors are right to be concerned. We need this vital nutrient. But it’s a tough one to get from our foods. The foods that provide Vitamin D are certain types of wild fish, like salmon, white beans and some dark leafy greens.
Because we can’t get ALL the Vitamin D that we need from food, lots of great new supplements are showing up. (Dole just launched a new portobello mushroom powder said to increase Vita D levels)
According to Cornell University, the best way to get the RIGHT kind of Vitamin D is to go outside into the sun. (I hear gasps from all the women who have hidden from the sun for 20 years.) You read that correctly.
Walk outside today, and turn to the sun like a flower. Sit for a moment or just walk around the block. Just 15-20 minutes will do it. (We don’t want to damage that gorgeous skin!)
And the best part? Sunshine is absolutely free and will increase your happiness index. Your body uses the sun to create hormones called endorphins, the happy hormones that can help with weight loss and depression.
Take your Vitamin D break today..
Tracy / 11.24.2010
Holli, I love this article and your collard green recipe looks awesome, I can’t wait to try it.
Much Love,
Tracy
Christine / 4.2.2011
About 18 months ago, at the age of 47,I broke 15 bones in an accident. I had never broken a bone in my life and in an instant found myself with a broken right arm, shattered right wrist and leg broken in three places. My orthopedic surgeon ordered a bone scan and found my bones to be in good health. What he did say is that I was extremely deficient in Vitamin D. I live in the Pacific NW where sun is very limited. Yes, I did start taking D supplements (prescription level for a while!) and I also found myself taking my dog to the dog park for a much needed walk on this rare 70 degree spring day here in Oregon! While I don’t “sun” myself like I used to 20 years ago, spending moderate times in the sun does not scare me. We all need it, I am living proof of that!
ginger pinson / 4.2.2011
I had no idea that white beans had vitamin D in them. I eat them a lot in the winter when I never get enough sun. Great recipe too.
Julia / 4.19.2011
Dear Holli, I found your site in the booklet of Integrative Nutrition Institute and immediately became captivated by your 7-step approach, which philosophy I found close to mine. And then started reading your blog. Wonderful recipes and tips! Thank you. I have beans soaking and waiting for me at home. Will cook them for dinner following this your recipe.
Holli Thompson / 5.8.2011
I love hearing that you are trying these recipes.. I only post recipes that inspire me and are usually really easy!