Summer is here and we all love to soak up the summer sun!
It’s a great way to boost our Vitamin D levels, but we also need to be sun smart and look after our skin.
This Vitamin is very important for our bodies, yet many people are deficient. Vitamin D helps our bodies absorb calcium, which we need for bone development. It also controls our cell growth. It also allows our immune system to function properly. If we don’t have enough, we are prone to a weakened immune system. In extreme cases, it can lead to conditions such as Osteoporosis.
How do I get enough Vitamin D?
The safest way to get our daily dose is to get a little sun exposure when the UV Index is less than 3. This is usually in the morning before 10 am, and in the afternoon after 3 pm. You can check what the UV Index is in your area by checking your local weather forecast.
You can also up your intake through certain foods.
Foods high in vitamin D include eggs (you should eat the whole egg as vitamin D is only found in the yolk) salmon and white button mushrooms. You need to eat healthy fat to be able to absorb vitamin D, as it is a fat-soluble vitamin. This means it is stored in the liver and fatty tissues and is eliminated from the body much more slowly than water-soluble vitamins. You can also take vitamin D as a supplement; however, it is always best to include it in your diet where possible.
Tip: When the UV Index is above 3, ensure you wear a hat, sunglasses, long loose clothing and stay in the shade to protect yourself from the sun’s harmful rays.
For more information on safely improving your vitamin D levels, click here.
