According to recent studies, approximately 1 billion individuals worldwide, which is nearly 15% of the world’s population, are vitamin D deficient or insufficient, and on this side of the Sahara (meaning UAE), over 90% of residents suffer from Vitamin D deficiency. This sunshine vitamin seems to be elusive for most of us. Fortunately for most of you who don’t have to deal with the scalding sun for the better part of the year, you can easily increase your Vitamin D levels through sun exposure (just don’t overexpose yourself because we know what that can lead to).
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Moving along, if for one reason or another you’re unable to increase your sunshine vitamin levels, there are other ways you can do that, like chomping on supplements or getting the vitamin straight from the source, which involves eating some specific fruits and vegetables. If you don’t know which of these edibles you should up your intake of, no need to worry because NRTC Fresh, who seem to know a thing or two about fresh fruits and veggies, are here to lend a hand.
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5 Fruits and Vegetables High in Vitamin D
But before we get to the edibles, did you know that Vitamin D is very important as it plays a vital role in bone health as well as in nerve, muscle and immune function? Our bodies can actually make and absorb Vitamin D from sunshine, but sometimes it might not be possible due to factors outside of our control, hence the option of including more Vitamin D in your life without having to go outside.
- Broccoli: Broccoli has high levels of Vitamin D and is also full of iron too. This very green veggie can be easily added steamed or boiled as a side dish to most meals.
- Mushrooms: Mushrooms have high levels of iron, so combined with Vitamin D, they work well together for healthier bones.
- Avocado: Not only does avocado have plenty of Vitamin D, but it also helps reduce inflammation, lowering redness and also fights wrinkles thereby making it highly recommended in a balanced diet.
- Peach: Peaches should be a staple in your fruit basket. They have high levels of Vitamin D and also help prevent the risk of Type 1 diabetes as they show a significant decrease in blood sugar levels, thanks to their high fiber content.
- Papaya: Papaya is great eaten on its own, in fruit salads or even in savory Asian dishes. It is also high in fiber which is great for digestion.
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2 Comments
Do you mean Type 2 diabetes? Type 1 is an autoimmune disease, and nobody knows how to prevent those yet or there’d be incredible news in the autoimmune disease community.
Agree; Type 2 diabetes. Fingers crossed that one day we can find a way to prevent type 1.