Four Foods High In Vitamin D For Healthier Skin

By Kristin Kirkpatrick, R.D. for YouBeauty.com

If you're reading this, you're probably low in vitamin D.

That's because research shows the majority of Americans have much lower levels of vitamin D than is recommended thanks to a lack of ultraviolet (UV) rays from the sun -- the best source of the vitamin.

And not getting enough has its health drawbacks. Vitamin D is needed for a healthy immune system as well as proper absorption of calcium and phosphorus -- two minerals that are crucial to bone health. In addition, vitamin D may contribute to promotion of brain and heart health, as well as a healthy weight, and may even play a role in preventing certain cancers.

Bottom line: Vitamin D is hot right now and a lot of us are turning to a hot source to get it -- the sun. While soaking in the sun may seem like a great idea when you're young, it can fast forward the aging process by promoting wrinkles. What's more, sun exposure can increase your risk for developing skin cancer.

Lucky for you, there are a few foods that not only are great sources of vitamin D, but they can improve your beauty as well. Here are my four favorites:

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In addition to these food choices, many people take a vitamin D supplement as well. Check with your physician to see if this option is right for you. And the next time you consider a sunscreen-free day as a way to "get in your daily dose of vitamin D," try reaching for one of these tasty, beauty-boosting foods instead.

For more on diet and nutrition, click here.

For more on beauty and skin, click here.

Comments

[Pete59]

03:15 AM on 02/25/2012

Only one of the four naturally contains vitamin d the rest are fortified. Why not take a supplement and then you know exactly how much you are getting.

[Beatriz Sandoval]

05:05 PM on 02/24/2012

Thanks for all the info! I think that sleep and using natural things are beneficial to the body .. here's a list on great beauty tricks
http://www.skinnyscoop.com/list/betty_sand/5-best-beauty-tricks-for-2012

[Gregory A Buford]

01:37 PM on 02/23/2012

Great article!

It's interested that we are seeing a tremendous rise in Vitamin D deficiency in the US. One of the reasons touted is potentially the fact that we are getting less and less sun exposure (to reduce our risk for skin cancer) and the result is that we are now not getting enough of the D.

Again, really enjoyed your article. We recently interviewed Julie Morris on the topic of Super Foods and encourage you to take a look: http://beforliving.com/the-real-secret-to-super-foods-with-julie-morris

Thanks again!

-Gregory A. Buford, MD FACS
www.beforliving.com
www.beautybybuford.com