Make Your Own Vitamin D Supplements for Pennies
Dr. Eric Berg DCPublished on February 7, 2022
Summary authored by editor@wellifi.com
TLDR Summary
By exposing certain mushrooms to UVB light, their vitamin D2 content can be significantly increased, reaching levels far beyond the recommended daily allowances. This article guides you through the process of enhancing the vitamin D content in mushrooms such as oyster, shiitake, maitake, and button mushrooms, and highlights the importance of consuming these vitamin D-rich mushrooms with fats for optimal absorption.
Key Points
- Exposing mushrooms to UVB light significantly increases their vitamin D2 content.
- Oyster, shiitake, maitake, and button mushrooms are the best choices for boosting vitamin D levels.
- Removing stems or slicing mushrooms can optimize the surface area exposed to UVB light for maximum vitamin D conversion.
- Consuming mushrooms with a source of fat enhances the absorption of vitamin D.
- In addition to vitamin D, mushrooms offer a wealth of other nutrients beneficial for health.
- Dehydrated sun-exposed mushrooms can retain their enhanced vitamin D content for up to a year.
How to Boost Your Vitamin D Levels with Sun-Exposed Mushrooms
Discover an innovative approach to increasing your vitamin D intake naturally using mushrooms. Unlike the minimal amounts found in mushrooms grown in the dark, exposing certain types of mushrooms to ultraviolet light can significantly enhance their vitamin D content. This method can elevate the vitamin D levels in mushrooms to astonishing amounts, ranging from 5,000 to over 200,000 International Units (IU). In this article, we will guide you through the process of making your own vitamin D-rich mushrooms at home.
Understanding Vitamin D in Mushrooms
Mushrooms naturally contain vitamin D2, a form that's not as bioavailable as vitamin D3 found in animal sources. However, when mushrooms are exposed to UVB light, their vitamin D2 levels can skyrocket. This process involves utilizing the natural capacity of mushrooms' gills – the ridges underneath their caps – to maximize vitamin D conversion.
Choosing the Right Mushrooms
The best types of mushrooms for this procedure include oyster, shiitake, maitake, and button mushrooms. It's essential to choose fresh mushrooms and prepare them correctly to optimize the surface area exposed to UVB light.
Steps to Enhance Vitamin D in Mushrooms
- Obtain fresh mushrooms of the recommended varieties.
- Prepare the mushrooms by removing stems or slicing them to expose more surface area.
- Expose the mushrooms to UVB light, either from direct sunlight during summer months or using a UV light.
- Dehydrate the mushrooms after two days of exposure to preserve their vitamin D content.
Maximizing Absorption
To ensure the best absorption of vitamin D from these mushrooms, it's advisable to consume them with a source of fat, such as butter. Vitamin D is fat-soluble, and its absorption is significantly enhanced in the presence of dietary fats.
Benefits Beyond Vitamin D
In addition to being a rich source of vitamin D, mushrooms provide a range of other nutrients. These include B vitamins, selenium, zinc, copper, the vitamin C complex, and potassium. Their low net carb content also makes them an excellent addition to ketogenic diets.
Conclusion
By following this simple process, you can significantly enhance the vitamin D2 content of mushrooms, making them a powerful supplement to your diet. This method not only offers a natural source of vitamin D but also utilizes the nutritional benefits of mushrooms to support your overall health.