Commonly called the sunshine vitamin, vitamin D is naturally produced by the body when it is exposed to the sun. Sun exposure isn’t the only way you can get vitamin D, though; you can also get it from the foods you eat.
Vitamin D is a vital nutrient. Though it’s referred to as a vitamin, it’s actually a pro-hormone. It plays a key role in maintaining the health of your teeth and bones, it can protect the body from developing a wide array of ailments, including type 1 diabetes, cancer, and even multiple sclerosis. It also helps to support a healthy immune system, encourages cognitive health, and supports the nervous system.
If you aren’t getting enough vitamin D, you could suffer a number of side effects, including fatigue, brain fog, and decreased immunity.
To boost your vitamin D levels, try adding these 21 foods to your diet on a regular basis.
1. Salmon
Salmon is regarded as one of the healthiest meats a person can eat. That’s because it is jam-packed with a wealth of vitamins, minerals, and other essential nutrients. Just one half of a salmon fillet will give you about 1935 IU of vitamin D, which is more than 170 percent of the recommended daily intake.
That’s quite an impressive amount. By eating salmon on a regular basis, you can certainly avoid developing the adverse effects that occur when you aren’t getting enough vitamin D. Plus, salmon contains omega-3 fatty acids, antioxidants, protein, B vitamins, selenium, potassium, and so much more! That means it can also help to reduce the risk of heart disease, boost your cognitive health, improve your insulin levels, lower blood pressure levels, and even help you manage your weight. From grilling to frying, there are so many wonderful ways to enjoy salmon and of its benefits.