The Sunshine Vitamin A lack of vitamin D may be linked to heart disease. So how do you make sure you’re getting enough? It may be as simple as soaking up more sunshine. Today, 30–50 percent of Americans don’t get enough vitamin D. During the fall and winter months, the problem can be even worse. That’s because your skin makes vitamin D when it’s exposed to the sun’s rays. And a shortage of sunlight means you may make less vitamin D. Sunlight may be scarce in some regions and at certain times of the year, but a little is all you need. Aim for 5–10 minutes in the sun, 2–3 times per week. Not only can it brighten your mood, but it may also fuel your body with a heart-healthy vitamin. If getting enough sunlight is hard to do, you can get more vitamin D through your diet, too. Experts recommend getting 800 to 1,000 units (IU) a day. But only a handful of foods contain this vital nutrient—so choose wisely. Make it a goal to get a few of these foods in your daily diet: • Eggs • Yogurt • Fortified breakfast cereal • Fortified milk and orange juice • Oily fish like salmon, tuna, and mackerel If you suspect you don’t get enough of these foods, be sure to talk to your doctor. He or she may recommend that you take a supplement. healthyroads
Posted on: Tue, 11 Jun 2013 20:26:06 +0000