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DOLE'S MEGA-VITAMIN MUSHROOM Despite the body's natural, sun-triggered ability to produce vitamin D, deficiency remains widespread. Vitamin D deficiency may be on the rise among kids -- and is particularly acute among seniors and darker skinned ethnicities. Traditionally associated with bone health, vitamin D boasts a bevy of other benefits, ranging from heart health to cancer protection. Until now, getting 100% of your vitamin D needs (DRI 5 mcg) from food alone has been hard. Milk, juice and cereal are fortified with vitamin D -- and the closest you'd come to a "natural" food source is canned fish. But Dole researchers realized humans weren't the only light-triggered vitamin D generators -- mushrooms also produce the nutrient upon exposure to light. Starting with Dole Portobellos, they pioneered a process of using an ordinary flash bulb (similar to the sort used in cameras) to boost the mushrooms' vitamin D content without compromising freshness or food safety. Portobellos are already a significant source of seven vitamins and minerals -- including well over a third of daily recommended riboflavin, a B vitamin which helps support the body's antioxidant systems. Such a nutrient-dense, natural source of vitamin D could be a health boon for millions suffering from vitamin D deficiency, which not only undermines bones and teeth, but may also be a contributing factor in heart disease, diabetes and various types of cancer. Low levels of vitamin D have been linked to high blood pressure, compromised immunity, and higher risk of colorectal, breast, kidney, and prostate cancer. While Dole's vitamin D innovation will shine a light -- literally and figuratively -- on the health benefits of mushrooms, obesity researchers are excited about new results which suggest substituting mushrooms for meat in dishes like lasagna and chili can cut calories and fat in half, without sacrificing on taste or fullness. Bonus: Learn the nutrient highlights of other edible fungi in our mushroom match-up. |
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