"D"elightful

Vitamin D also known as the sunshine vitamin.  New guidelines have tripled the recommended dietary allowance of vitamin D from 200 IU to 600 IU for ages 1-70 and to 800 IU for adults older than 70. 


Low levels of Vitamin D are correlated with:

• Poor bone health
• Multiple Sclerosis
• Heart Disease
• Cancer
• Diabetes
• Immune deficiencies

With the darker winter days coming make sure you are getting sufficient vitamin D for your health!

http://www.webmd.com/diet/news/20101129/guidelines-increase-vitamin-d?ecd=soc_tw

Yam it Up!

What is better alpha or beta carotene?  Alpha and beta carotene are similar substances however alpha carotine has some advantages over beta carotene in inhibiting tumor formation.  So, a research study looked at blood serum levels of alpha-carotine and mortality.  This study included an analysis of 15,318 adults of age 20 or older.  It was found that higher blood levels of alpha-carotine were associated with a lower risk of death from cardiovascular disease as well as cancer and other factors.  Where can I get some?  There are high concentrations of alpha-carotine in yellow-orange vegetables such as carrots, sweet potatoes, and pumpkins and dark-green vegetables such as broccoli, and spinach.  These foods also have high concentrations of beta carotene as well so eating veggies is a win win situation! 

For more information you can read the ABC news write up of this story here: http://abcnews.go.com/Health/Diet/alpha-carotene-live-longer/story?id=12238167&page=1