This Morning: Dr Chris discusses vitamin D and Covid
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Vitamin D is often referred to as the “sunshine vitamin” due to the fact it naturally occurs in your skin in response to sunlight. Unsurprisingly, during the winter months, many Britons face a deficiency due to the sun’s UV rays being in short supply.
However, there are plenty of foods that are a great source of the vitamin, and experts are encouraging Britons to incorporate them into their diet this cold and flu season.
In a bid to stop Britons from facing a “vitamin dip” this winter, The UK and Ireland Mushrooms Producers has partnered with ‘The Medicinal Chef’, Dale Pinnock, to reveal the vitamin-rich benefits of the humble mushroom.
The latest NHS advice urges the public to consider increasing their vitamin D intake from 5 micrograms to 10 micrograms.
As cold and flu cases rise in the chillier months, coupled with the continued presence of coronavirus, around 39 percent of Britons say they are concerned about developing a weak immune system.
Vitamin D, along with other vitamins, is essential in keeping our bodies functioning to their maximum potential.
To meet this demand, The UK and Ireland Mushroom Producers are enriching mushrooms with vitamin D.
According to the team, eating just eight mushrooms each day can provide “100 percent” of an adult’s recommended daily intake.
Furthermore, as the team of experts point out, mushrooms can be a great source for people of all dietary requirements – including those following a vegetarian or vegan diet.
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Dale Pinnock, otherwise known as ‘The Medicinal Chef’, told Express.co.uk: “As a nation, we typically spend less time outside during the colder months, meaning less exposure to sunlight and heightened levels of vitamin deficiencies as a result.
“Although the research suggests that 45 per cent of Brits feel that vitamin D is the most important vitamin group to them, one in five are unaware how to achieve their RDA through food alone.”
He added: “As most of our population don’t get anywhere near the amount that they need, I wanted to help get the message out there.
“Food sources are very few and far between. Organ meats, oily fish, and full-fat dairy, and of course, the humble mushroom.
“Mushrooms are an excellent source of vitamin D and other essential vitamins, including vitamins B6 and B12.
“They are an extremely versatile vegetable which can be used in an array of winter-warming dishes, coming in all shapes, sizes and colours.
“The staple vegetable is frequently used as an easy swap for meat, due to its meat-like texture and umami flavour, ideal for those following a flexitarian or plant-based diet.”
The Medicinal Chef recommended incorporating mushrooms into dinner time favourites, such as Spaghetti Bolognese or veggie chilli.
Fortified mushrooms don’t just help with vitamin D, however.
Mr Pinnock explained: “Many mushrooms contain a very complex sugar called a polysaccharide, specifically beta-glucan, that has been widely studied for over 4 decades.
“Research has found that beta-glucan can increase production of white blood cells and improve their function.”
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