Best Dietary Sources of Vitamin D

Vitamin D is essential to healthy bones, bodies, and minds. By far, the best way to fill your Vitamin D quota is by soaking up some sunshine. But in some climates and seasons, getting enough sunlight isn’t always possible. Fortunately, you can get your fill of Vitamin D from many different foods sources.

White Mushrooms

People absorb Vitamin D when they’re out in the sun, so it should be no surprise that the same is true for many vegetables. White mushrooms, also called white button mushrooms, are a fantastic source of Vitamin D when they’ve been exposed to the sun’s UV light while growing. They also provide a number of other health benefits, so adding them to your diet can improve your health all around.

Whole Milk

Some of the milk you can find at the grocery store has been fortified with Vitamin D. Make sure you’re drinking plenty of fortified whole milk when you’re concerned about getting enough Vitamin D to keep you looking and feeling young and healthy. A cup of fortified whole milk provides the body with about 21% of the Vitamin D it needs for the day.

Eggs

A whole, large egg contains enough Vitamin D to account for about 7% of the daily recommended intake. And that’s not the only nutrient found in eggs that will help keep you healthy and young: eggs also contain protein, essential amino acids, choline, and sulphur. The wide variety of vitamins and minerals housed inside an egg are great for promoting healthy hair and nails, along with a healthy body overall.

Soy Milk

Many people drink soy milk for the benefits of healthy soy. If you’re concerned about the amount of Vitamin D and calcium in soy milk versus whole milk, you don’t need to worry; soy milk is a viable source of both. One cup amounts to about 17% of the recommended Vitamin D for the day, and about 6% of the recommended amount of calcium.

Ricotta Cheese

Ricotta cheese is a staple in many Italian dishes, so eat up to get your Vitamin D for the day. When cooking, try substituting white pasta for whole wheat, and use fresh vegetables (add mushrooms for more Vitamin D) and dried herbs to add a health boost to your meal and your body.

Orange Juice

A cold glass of orange juice is a healthy way to start your day. Fresh-squeezed is usually ideal, but you might want to think twice if you’re concerned about getting enough Vitamin D to keep you feeling young, strong, and healthy. Many brands of orange juice are fortified with Vitamin D, because it isn’t naturally present in fruits and vegetables such as oranges.

Oatmeal

Like many grain products, oatmeal is often fortified with essential Vitamin D. Oatmeal is a healthy way to start your day, thanks to all the vitamins and minerals it provides. Adding Vitamin D to the mix only makes it even better. One packet of fortified oatmeal provides about one quarter of the Vitamin D the average person needs each day, so check the nutrition labels to make sure you’re getting the most out of your meal.

Vanilla Yogurt

Vanilla yogurt is a tasty treat that’s filled with healthy minerals. Some brands are also fortified with Vitamin D, making it a fantastic food that helps keep you young and healthy. Read the nutrition labels on your favorite brands to see whether or not you’re getting enough Vitamin D in your yogurt. A cup of fortified vanilla yogurt can provide almost 20% of the Vitamin D that’s needed each day.

Chocolate Milk

You already know the health benefits of milk, but did you know that chocolate milk is also a healthy option when enjoyed in moderation? Look for the kind that’s fortified with Vitamin D. One cup provides your body with 20% of the Vitamin D it needs for the day. It also contains protein and calcium, which are essential for healthy bones and muscles.

Cereal

Next time you’re shopping for your favorite cereal, check the label to see if it’s fortified with Vitamin D. Many of the healthiest cereal choices are, so consider switching if you haven’t already. Different brands and types of cereal vary widely, so always check the labels for nutrition information before buying. One cup of some fortified cereals can provide up to 29% of the daily recommended value of Vitamin D.

Beef Liver

Beef liver is rich in a variety of vitamins, minerals, and nutrients. It’s also low in calories and fat, compared to other types of beef. It’s a good source of Vitamin D when you’re not quite able to reach the recommended amount for the day. Other nutritional benefits it provides include protein, thiamin, and iron.

Butter

Butter gets a bad rap for being high in saturated fat. But it’s important to remember that saturated fat is still essential to a healthy diet; it helps the body absorb antioxidants and vitamins. Butter contains a small amount of Vitamin D, and it will also help your body absorb and use the Vitamin D that you get from other sources. As long as you consume it in moderation, butter can be a welcome addition to a healthy and balanced diet.

Sour Cream

Sour cream is often associated with unhealthy snacks and meals, but the sour cream itself has several nutritional benefits. Anyone can enjoy it in small amounts along with a healthy diet and lifestyle overall. It contains protein, potassium, calcium, Vitamin A, and Vitamin D, making it a more healthful food than most people realize.

Health Benefits of Grapes

Consuming fruits and vegetables of all kinds has long been associated with a reduced risk of heart disease,diabetes, cancer and other conditions. Many studies have shown that increasing consumption of plant foods like grapes decreases the risk of obesity and overall mortality. Grapes also have some special components that make them even more essential to our health, giving them "super food" status and reducing the risk of the following conditions

Cancer: Grapes contain powerful antioxidants known as polyphenols, which may slow or prevent many types of cancer, including esophageal, lung, mouth, pharynx, endometrial, pancreatic, prostate and colon.

The resveratrol found in red wine famous for heart health is a type of polyphenol found in the skins of red grapes.

Migraine: Ripe grape juice is an important home remedy for curing migraines. It should be drunk early in the morning, without mixing additional water. Ironically, drinking red wine is often considered a cause of migraines, but grape juice and grape seed extract is considered a solution for the problem. There are many causes behind migraines, and it can be difficult to pinpoint the culprit, since they include chemical imbalances, lack of sleep, changes in weather, or dietary deficiencies. Alcohol in general causes migraines, but grapes have so many antioxidants that they can cause and cure the same illness!

Heart Disease: The flavonoid quercetin is a natural anti-inflammatory that appears to reduce the risk of 
atherosclerosis and protect against the damage caused by low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol in animal studies. Quercetin may have the additional bonus of anti⁶

-cancer effects; however more studies are needed using human subjects before these results can be confirmed.

The high polyphenol content in grapes may also reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD) by preventing platelet bublood pressure via anti-inflammatory mechanisms.

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The fiber and potassium in grapes also support heart health. An increase in potassium intake along with a decrease in sodium intake is the most important dietary change that a person can make to reduce their risk of cardiovascular disease, according to Mark Houston, MD, MS, an associate clinical professor of medicine at Vanderbilt Medical School and director of the Hypertension Institute at St Thomas Hospital in Tennessee.⁵

In one study, those who consumed 4069 mg of potassium per day had a 49% lower risk of death from ischemic heart disease compared with those who consumed less potassium (about 1000 mg per day).

High potassium intakes are also associated with a reduced risk of stroke, protection against loss of muscle mass, preservation of bone mineral density and reduction in the formation of kidney stones.⁵

High Blood Pressure: As noted above, potassium has many benefits for the body. It may be that a low potassium intake is just as big of a risk factor in developing high blood pressure as a high sodium intake.4 Because of their high potassium content, grapes are recommended to those with high blood pressure to help negate the effects of sodium in the body.

According to the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, fewer than 2% of US adults meet the daily 4700 mg recommendation for potassium.

Also of note, a high potassium intake is associated with a 20% decreased risk of dying from all causes.

Constipation: Eating foods that are high in water content like grapes, watermelon and cantaloupe can help to keep you hydrated and your bowel movements regular. Grapes also contain fiber, which is essential for minimizing constipation.

Allergies: Because of the anti-inflammatory effects of quercetin, consuming grapes may help to alleviate symptoms of allergies including runny nose, watery eyes and hives. There have been no human studies done to prove this theory.⁶

Diabetic neuropathy and retinopathy: A few studies have shown promise that resveratrol can protect against diabetic neuropathy and retinopathy, conditions caused by poorly controlled diabetes where vision is severely affected. One study in which diabetic rats were treated with resveratrol for two weeks found that it reduced the effects of neural changes and damage associated with diabetic neuropathy.

Researchers have also found resveratrol to be beneficial for treating Alzheimer's disease, relieving hot flashes and mood swings associated with menopause and improving blood glucose control, however large studies using human subjects are still needed to confirm these findings.

Incorporating more grapes into your diet

The Environmental Working Group produces a list each year of fruits and vegetables with the highest levels of pesticide residue, known as the Dirty Dozen. Grapes are high on the list of produce that the EWG suggests that you buy in the organic version to ensure a lower risk of pesticide exposure.

Grapes are available year round. Select grapes that are tight to the touch and free of wrinkles. Grapes are best stored in the refrigerator and should be washed before eaten.

The best way to consume grapes is fresh right out of your hand! Most grape jellies/spreads, juices and wine have added sugars, which tack on additional calories.

Here are some handy tips to incorporate more grapes into your diet:

• Slice grapes in half and add them to your chicken salad.
• Make your own fruit cocktail with fresh fruit and include grapes, pineapple, sliced peaches and strawberries. Drizzle a small amount of honey on top of the fruit mixture for an extra sweet treat.
• Freeze grapes and eat them as a snack or dessert on a hot day.
• Have a quick 100-calorie snack with 1 cup of fresh grapes.

Diet for Healthy Hairs

Protein

As hair is made of protein, ensuring you have enough protein in your diet is crucial for making hair strong and healthy. If you are not consuming enough protein in your diet, your hair is likely to become dry, brittle and weak. Extremely low protein diets may result in hair loss. Choose chicken, turkey, fish, dairy products and eggs as excellent sources of protein along with vegetarian sources such as legumes and nuts.

Spinach 

Why it’s good for you: Eating spinach is a great way of getting nutrients into your diet. It contains vitamons B, C and E as well as potassium, calcium, iron, magnesium and Omega 3 – all of these are required for good healthy hair. The iron content in particular helps the red blood cells carry oxygen to hair follicles which is essential for healthy hair growth

Vitamin C

Vitamin C aids the absorption of iron so foods high in vitamin C are good to eat in conjunction with iron-rich foods. Vitamin C is also an antioxidant so is used readily by the body. The best sources are blackcurrants, blueberries, broccoli, guava, kiwi fruits, oranges, papaya, strawberries and sweet potatoes. Vitamin C helps in the production of collagen that strengthens the capillaries that supply the hair shafts.

Sweet Potatoes 

Why it’s good for you: Sweet potatoes are packed full of a nutrient called beta-carotene. Beta carotene is converted by the body into Vitamon A. Vitamin A deficiency often results in dry skin which can affect your scalp and can fall off your scalp as dandruff. For a healthy scalp try incorporating more beta carotene into your diet

Carrots

Why it’s good for you: Carrots are usually thought of as being good for your eyes but they help your hair as well. Containing vitamin A, these vegetables help you get that shiny well-conditioned look by maintaining the natural oils in the hair and keeping your scalp in tip top condition.

Omega 3

Omega-3 fatty acids are important fats our body cannot make itself, and therefore must be obtained through our diet. Omega-3s are found in the cells that line the scalp and also provide the oils that keep your scalp and hair hydrated. Look out for oily fish such as salmon, herring, sardines, trout and mackerel and plant sources including avocado, pumpkin seeds and walnuts.