Registered Dietitian Nutritionist
Vitamin D is 1 nutrient that Americans aren’t getting enough of, especially during the winter! It is considered a “nutrient of concern” in the 2015 Dietary Guidelines for Americans. Often called the “sunshine vitamin,” the best dose of vitamin D comes directly from ultraviolet B rays, not foods. And of the foods that do contain Vitamin D, Americans aren’t eating enough. Some reports show that 40-80% of Americans are vitamin D deficient. Are you?
Some foods don’t have a sexy name or an enticing appearance but such foods, like prunes, should not be underestimated for their tasty flavor and notable health benefits. My 1 ½-year-old daughter frequently asks for them by name at snack time! While they may have a reputation for helping people improve regularity, they have several other worthwhile benefits that may actually surprise you!
Osteoporosis is a “silent disease” in which bones become brittle and weak over time, increasing risk of fracture from a fall. While this disease may elicit a picture of a hunched elderly woman, the actual weakening of the bones began decades earlier, likely when she was unaware. According to National Institute of Health, bone mass peaks between ages 20-30, making it crucial for individuals to actively work to maintain bone density throughout the lifespan.