Vitamin D - Why You Need It and Our Favorite Ways to Get It
Here at Mr. B's we value health and wellness, and an important part of your body's vitality is vitamin D. It's a pretty wide known fact that you can get vitamin D by absorbing it from the sun, but what you might not know is why getting enough vitamin D is so important. So here's some motivation for you: having enough vitamin D is crucial for your body to be able to properly absorb calcium (that's why you see a lot of milks that have added vitamin D). And we all know that calcium, among other things equates to strong healthy bones in children and adults. Also, studies show that there may be some links between vitamin D deficiency and breast cancer, colon cancer, prostate cancer, heart disease, depression, and weight gain.
Here are some of our favorite ways to get outside and soak up those vitamin D filled rays:
- The beach! As southern Californians, we are beach lovers. Our favorite new beach activity: boogie boarding. It's one of the things I loved doing as a kid, but then stopped because I got self-conscious and thought it would make me look dorky. Well, last year at a beach gathering with some other families, some of the other moms and I went out with our kids boogie boards and had the time our lives. Boy, let's not let the fear of what other people think keep us from doing what we enjoy.
- A picnic in the park. A classic tradition that get's way overlooked. Throw together a lunch, it doesn't have to be fancy, grab some family or friends, and head outside. Our favorite lawn activity? Croquet. We've just rediscovered it, and it's a fun and leisurely activity, perfect for an afternoon at the park.
- Nature walks. So simple and each time we go there is always something new to be discovered and enjoyed. Plus, this is a perfect time to collect a bouquet of wildflowers to bring the outdoors in.
- Well, we can't talk about getting outside without talking about Shem's favorite sport: spikeball.
As with anything, sun exposure should be enjoyed with caution. The sun is amazing, but if your out for more than 30 minutes make sure to slap on some sunscreen or take break in the shade. Vitamin D is good, sun burns and too much UV radiation is bad.