Research has shown that Vitamin D plays many roles in the body from strengthening the immune system, reducing the risk of certain diseases and helping our gut absorb calcium. Until now, the main dietary source for Vitamin D has been fortified milk and fatty fish such as sardines and salmon. But did you know that certain brands of mushrooms can also provide the daily required amount of D as well?
Some grocery stores are now carrying Monterey Mushrooms’s Sun Bella Mushrooms, or Dole’s Portobello Mushrooms, which both contain the current recommended amount of Vitamin D (400 IU/daily) per 3-oz. serving. (The daily RDA of Vitamin D is likely to be revised upward later this year). Apparently, mushrooms have the ability to convert the sun’s rays into Vitamin D just as humans do. So both growers have exposed their mushroom crops to ultra-violet light to synthesize enough Vitamin D to make it beneficial for us. According to the Monterey Mushrooms website, increasing the mushrooms’ Vitamin D content “does not involve any additives, supplements or chemicals. The Vitamin D is stable, maintaining its nutritional value even after cooking or freezing.”
Not all mushrooms are alike, so check labels to be sure you’re getting the ones that are enriched with Vitamin D. The Monterey Mushrooms website also has a U.S. map that shows where their Sun Bella line can be purchased.
{ 2 comments… read them below or add one }
What is the effect that a vitamin D increase would have on my menopause? On my symptoms? I have been doing a bunch of reading at Got Menopause?, but can’t find too much solid information about which symptoms it will alleviate. I’m brand new to menopause and I’m looking for any help I can get to get these hot flashes to stop!
Thanks
Emily
Hi Emily – Vitamin D offers many long-term health benefits, but relieving menopausal symptoms like hot flashes or insomnia is not one of them, unfortunately. Some women have had good luck with certain herbs for hot flashes, insomnia or anxiety; but more have success with proper hormone balancing. You may not want to go that route, but it’s worth consulting a naturopathic physician or a M.D. that practices integrative medicine to learn what your options are. Since you’re new to this mid-life transition, you’ll probably find one of the many books I’ve posted in the right column helpful. Thanks for checking in with my blog!
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