Why Mushrooms are Great for Vitamin D

Mushrooms are an unexpectedly potent food that can serve to elevate your vitamin D levels naturally. Since most people do not get enough vitamin D in their regular diet or from the sun, mushrooms offer a rather unique and different plant based solution. From wood ear mushrooms to baby bella mushrooms, even the most unassuming forms of fungi can contribute much more than flavor: they may be a source of vitamin D in its natural form.

This article will explain why mushrooms, wood ear mushrooms, baby bella mushrooms and blue oyster mushrooms and red bell pappers make for great ingredients in improving your vitamin D intake and also show how they can fit with ease into your diet, be you an avid mushroom lover or just starting to incorporate more into your meals.

Why Vitamin D Matters

Before we begin with mushrooms, let's gain an understanding of what Vitamin D is all about. Vitamin D is good for bone, tooth and muscular health. It promotes the proper functioning of your immune system, brain and mood. While the sun is a natural source of vitamin D, most people don't get the amount they need from the sun especially throughout winter seasons or in areas with less sunlight.

So what can you do to increase your vitamin D intake? Well, that's where mushrooms come in.

Mushrooms are naturally rich in vitamin D.

Mushrooms are one of the few foods that naturally contain vitamin D. They synthesize vitamin D from the sunlight or UV light, much like human skin would. Different varieties of mushrooms include wood ear mushrooms, baby bella mushrooms and blue oyster mushrooms. These mushrooms contain increasing levels of vitamin D and are very easy to add to foods for an increased intake.

Types of Mushrooms and Their Vitamin D Content

Wood ear mushrooms aren't the first variety that comes into one's head with the mention of mushrooms, but they actually provide a lot of health benefits including the addition of vitamin D. They are not as potent as many other mushrooms but they offer a great source of vitamin D if grown under UV light.

Baby Bella Mushrooms: Among the staple mushrooms in most kitchens this variety carries a bit more robust flavor profile than that of the common white mushroom. These are great for giving dimension to so many dishes and they're fantastic sources of Vitamin D, too. Indeed baby bella mushrooms have been known to increase their vitamin D content through UV light exposure offering a healthy boost.

Blue Oyster Mushrooms: These mushrooms have recently acquired huge significance in the culinary world and have become known as a good source of vitamin D. Other than contributing to your intake of vitamin D these mushrooms add color on your plate. Growing under UV light they can provide up to 100% of your daily vitamin D needs.

3. The Power of UV Light in Mushroom Growing

The key to really maximizing the vitamin D content in mushrooms is exposure to UV light. Mushrooms that grow under UV light have the ability to convert their naturally occurring compounds into vitamin D. Just as our skin will make vitamin D when we are in the sun, so do mushrooms. Mushrooms may have a source of vitamin D in them, but because most commercial mushrooms do not get UV exposure they have lesser amounts of it. Mushrooms that are UV cures common in many grocery stores are exposed to UV light on purpose which helps boost their vitamin D content.

4. How Mushrooms Compare to Other Sources of Vitamin D

Mushrooms are one of the few plant based sources of vitamin D and, as such, are very important in the diets of vegetarians and vegans, who might otherwise have a hard time getting enough of the vitamin if only consuming animal products. For comparison, foods such as fatty fish, egg yolks and fortified dairy products are the only animal food sources of vitamin D.

Although mushrooms are a great plant based source their vitamin D is in the form of vitamin D2 (ergocalciferol) which is somewhat less potent compared to vitamin D3 from animal foods and their supplements. Vitamin D2 is still very useful for improving your blood levels of vitamin D especially if you're on a plant based diet.

5. Easy Ways to Add Mushrooms to Your Diet

Adding mushrooms to your diet is easier than one might think. Here are some easy ideas that will help:

Mushrooms sautéed in olive oil with garlic and herbs all in a few minutes! Take some baby bella mushrooms or blue oyster mushrooms and just be amazed at the result.

Wood ear mushrooms can be cooked into a bowl of soup for a cold day full of health benefits from mushrooms.

Mushroom Stir Fry: Mix mushrooms together in a stir fry with vegetables and tofu for a healthy vitamin filled meal.

Mushroom Risotto: This creamy risotto is based on either baby bella mushrooms or blue oyster mushrooms for a filling course.

You can incorporate mushrooms into your diet quite easily by trying a variety of mushroom types and using them in various recipes.

6. Sprouted Lentils: A Perfect Match with Mushrooms

Add extra nutrition by mixing your mushrooms with sprouted lentils. These small powerhouse legumes are filled with protein, fiber and essential nutrients. By pairing the sprouted lentils with mushrooms you not only ramp up the flavor but also the health benefits of the meal. Whether in a mushroom lentil stew or a mushroom lentil salad this combination surely serves up a healthy meal.

How MyHomeDoc Telehealth can help you

At MyHomeDoc Telehealth we understand how very important overall health and wellness are to you. Nutrition plays an incredibly important role in that. For more specific questions on adding foods rich in vitamin D, such as mushrooms into your diet or any advice pertaining particularly to your health, feel free to reach out to our panel for guidance. Whether it is general guidance or advice tailored to your unique health needs we can provide you with the support needed to move forward. Reach out today and let us help you achieve your health goals.

Conclusion

Mushrooms contribute a great deal more to a person's diet than just great taste. They can also be a natural, plant based source for vitamin D, which is extremely important in sustaining overall health. Whether one has wood ear mushrooms, baby bella mushrooms, or even blue oyster mushrooms, each variety brings unique flavors and unique ways of providing vitamin D. Adding mushrooms to your diet is an easy way to increase your levels of vitamin D and take better care of your bones, immune system and so much more.

You can start adding mushrooms to your meals today. If you need nutritional advice, or even if you have more questions regarding health contact MyHomeDoc Telehealth. Do not wait; it is now time to act for the sake of your health.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do mushrooms help with vitamin D?

Mushrooms, especially those that have been exposed to UV light, can manufacture vitamin D and are considered one of the few plant based sources of this critical nutrient. Vitamin D is important in boosting the immune system and maintaining bone health.

What variety of mushrooms are the best source of vitamin D? 

These may include the Baby Bella mushrooms, the blue oyster mushrooms and the wood ear mushrooms, considered best for vitamin D enhancement especially when grown under UV light. 

Can mushrooms alone suffice as a source of vitamin D?

 Mushrooms, though great in providing significant amounts toward your vitamin D intake, may not provide you with what you need of vitamin D. They are best taken together with other sources of vitamin D either from foods or from supplements. 

What is the difference between UV cured mushrooms and mushrooms in general?

UV cured mushrooms are those treated with ultraviolet light during growth and increase the level of vitamin D within them, making them much more nutritious sources of nutrition compared to regular untreated mushrooms. 

How does MyHomeDoc Telehealth work to help me with my diet and health needs? 

MyHomeDoc Telehealth gives expert advice with personalized recommendations that enable you to make informed choices in what you eat from adding vitamin D enriched mushrooms to your diet. Our staff is ready to give guidance and support on your journey toward health.