Some sun exposure without sunblock is good for our bodies!  Surprised?  Our bodies produce vitamin D as a result of sun exposure....  Dr. Michael Holick, Professor of Medicine, Physiology and Biophysics at Boston University School of Medicine has done extensive research on the health benefits of vitamin D, as well as the prevalence of deficiency.  According to Dr. Holick, just 5-10 minutes of sunlight on skin between 10am and 3 pm - at least face and arms, legs as the heat of spring and summer increases... (no sunblock), in spring, summer, and autumn provides adequate vitamin D to meet the needs of those of us who have relatively light skin.  The darker the skin, the more sunlight may be required to make adequate vitamin D.  Excess vitamin D is stored by our fat cells and can be drawn upon in winter, in climates where the sun's angle does not allow proper production.  When we are planning or find ourselves in the sun for longer periods of time, it is wise to apply sunscreen (which by the way will be tomorrow's topic....)  For more on Dr. Holick's research, check out http://www.ajcn.org/content/80/6/1678S.full or check out one of his interviews, available on-line.

There are not many natural sources of vitamin D.  For those of us who abstain from animal products, the choices are even more limited.  Some foods are fortified, but this is not any more "natural" than taking a supplement...Many people opt to take supplements these days, but the form that many doctors recommend, vitamin D3, cholecalciferol, is generally sourced from fish oil or lanolin (found in sheep's wool).  Most who abstain from animal products choose vitamin D2, ergocalciferol, and for many this helps maintain vitamin D levels, but for others it is not well absorbed.  Just recently, I learned of a vegan source of vitamin D3, that is sourced from lichens.  You can learn more about this product, which is sold on-line at http://www.vitashine-d3.com/vitashine.html

I noticed, recently, on the USDA website, they are now including vitamin D as being found in mushrooms.  There are even some companies that are intentionally exposing mushrooms to ultraviolet light to up their vitamin D counts.  You can read more about this at http://www.ars.usda.gov/is/pr/2008/081112.htm.  Personally, I am not sure how I feel about that.... I like my mushrooms how nature made them and to get some sun on my unblocked skin....  But when enough sun is enough,  lets talk block.... Tomorrow, I will share some of my favorite sunblocks and what ingredients you might look for.  After all,  what you put on you, goes in you.... Till tomorrow, wishing you a glorious day!