Mushrooms: Like Little Balls of Sunshine
What do mushrooms and the sun have in common? Well, they are both round…and they are both found in nature. That has to be about all, right? Not necessarily. Scientists have found that exposing portabella mushrooms to the sun for “tanning sessions” lasting about 18 minutes caused them to produce nearly 4 micrograms of vitamin D per gram of tissue. Not too shabby for spending time in the sun!
This type of research can be handy for those whos circumstances make it difficult for them to get the recommended amounts of vitamin D. Darker skinned people and heavier people, for example, have a harder time absorbing their needed vitamin D. People who live far away from the equator might need a little extra help too, as there is thicker UV-filtering atmosphere.
Depending on age, you should should generally try to get between 5 and 15 micrograms (or 200 to 600 international units) of vitamin D each day. Failure to do so might cause the development of diseases like rickets, which causes distorted, soft bones. Just one more reason to put that video game controller down, rip yourself away from the tv and go play outside when it’s sunny!
If you like mushrooms, this could be a supplemental winter pick me up, since the sun won’t be visiting nearly as frequently as it does in the warmer months. Ask your local grocer about vitamin-D infused mushrooms and try some for yourself!
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