A Simple Trick to Boost the Vitamin D in Mushrooms
While you may think that you have to get your vitamin D from natural food sources such as animal, poultry, and seafood, did you know that mushrooms are the only plant food that naturally contains Vitamin D?
What this also means is that mushrooms can therefore go one step further and increase their vitamin D content, which makes them pretty darn unique in the food world and a huge bonus to integrate into your meals.
The trick to increase the Vitamin D content in mushrooms is to expose them to sunlight. It’s the UV exposure that turns mushrooms into vitamin D factories, just like the human body, so all you have to do is pop your newly bought punnet of fresh mushrooms onto a windowsill for 60 minutes, and presto – vitamin D enriched mushrooms.
Why is vitamin D good for you?
Well, vitamin D helps your body absorb calcium and phosphorus, both of which are important for building and keeping strong bones and preventing bone disorders and bone loss, which can lead to osteoporosis.
Vitamin D can also up your levels of serotonin, which works to improve both mood and regulate sleep.
Double-up on your vitamin D with a yummy breakfast of Portabello Eggs Florentine – low in carbs but high in nutrients, fibre and flavour. And, if you’d like more D-lights with fungi flavour-enhanced feasts, check out the SA Mushroom Farmers’ Association website.
Image and info credit: The South African Mushroom Farmers’ Association