By Sue Bedford (MSc Nutritional Therapy)
Start your day off right by boosting your vitamin D levels with this healthy and tasty ‘sunshine energy shot.’ Vitamin D is provided by the orange juice and Greek yoghurt, and why not take advantage of the other healthy nutrients provided by the ingredients in this lovely shot, such as vitamin C, potassium, calcium, fibre, carbohydrate and protein? Flaxseed contains a variety of nutrients, including omega 3- so why not start your day in a balanced way.
Did you know?…… Vitamin D is a fat -soluble vitamin and has an essential role in the absorption and use of calcium and phosphorus and therefore in the formation and health of bones, teeth and cartilage. It functions like a hormone and every cell in the body has a receptor for it. Vitamin D is frequently referred to as the ‘Sunshine Vitamin’ as sunlight is necessary for the synthesis of this Vitamin (which is produced underneath the skin following exposure to sunlight). Vitamin D occurs in two forms: vitamin D2, which is present in a small number of foods, and vitamin D3, which is formed in the skin when exposed to sunlight. Both D2 and D3 are converted into a form that the body can use (active form) in the liver and the kidneys. People need varying degrees of vitamin D depending on where they live and their diets.
It is also important in female and male fertility
Vitamin D is thought to help control the genes involved in making oestrogen and to help control several genes involved in the implantation of the embryo. During pregnancy, if a woman is deficient in vitamin D it has been linked to some complications such as diabetes and hypertension. Although the data for vitamin D and fertility is not conclusive, several studies have found that vitamin D blood levels of 30 ng/mL or higher are associated with higher pregnancy rates. In a recent study which sought to investigate whether vitamin D blood levels are associated with live birth rates in women undergoing fertility treatments. It found that women with a level greater than 30 ng/mL had higher live birth rates than women with lower vitamin D levels.
In men, vitamin D status has been associated with semen quality and sperm count, motility, and morphology. There is evidence to suggest that if a man is not deficient in vitamin D then there is a positive effect to be seen on semen quality, testosterone concentrations, and fertility outcomes. Further studies are required in this area.
Orange cream vitamin D ‘sunshine shot’ (makes 2 shots)
60ml greek yogurt
60ml orange juice (fortified with vitamin D)
orange zest, from 1 orange
1 large orange, peeled and segmented
1 medium frozen banana
1 tablespoon ground flaxseed or seeds of your choice such as chia
1 teaspoon honey (optional)
4 ice cubes
Place the ingredients into a blender and blend until smooth. Enjoy!
