Brits are being encouraged to add this food to their diets as winter approaches
Experts have unveiled the unexpected food that should be a staple in the British diet during October and throughout the autumn and winter months. Mushrooms are advantageous for several reasons, packed full of a variety of nutrients, making them a beneficial addition to meals all year round.
Indeed, they count towards one of your five a day, so they play a crucial role in maintaining a balanced diet every month of the year. However, as we brace ourselves for colder weather, and a winter that’s predicted to be particularly nippy, it might be wise to start incorporating more mushrooms into our diets, reports the Express.
Despite the UK experiencing a period of relatively warm weather in October, chillier temperatures are imminent, and many Brits are being encouraged to get their flu and Covid jabs. But to fend off severe colds and flus, diet and overall well-being also play a significant role.
Mushrooms are a significant source of Vitamin D, an essential nutrient during the autumn and winter months when natural sunlight is less abundant. According to Manger Health UK, Vitamin D, produced in the body through exposure to sunlight, bolsters the immune system.
With the reduced sunlight in the latter parts of the year, it’s crucial to find other sources. The British Heart Foundation identifies mushrooms as one of the foods high in Vitamin D.
However, it’s important to choose the right ones at the supermarket. The charity advises British shoppers to look for mushrooms labelled “high in Vitamin D” while shopping locally.
Some mushrooms will have been exposed to UV light during their growth, resulting in a high Vitamin D content.
If you’re not a fan of mushrooms, there are other foods you can eat to maintain your Vitamin D levels, although mushrooms might be one of the most cost-effective options.
Other foods with high levels of Vitamin D, as per the British Heart Foundation, include eggs, oily fish, and red meat. Vitamin C is also beneficial in warding off colds and flu, so foods like oranges, berries, and bell peppers are helpful.
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