Vitamin D, also known as the sunshine vitamin, is a fat-soluble vitamin that plays an important role in bodily function. It helps to promote strong bones and regulates the immune system. There are two types of vitamin D: D2 and D3. Research suggests that the latter may be better at raising levels of vitamin D in the blood. Studies show that getting a proper amount of vitamin D may help to promote healthy blood pressure. According to the American Heart Association, approximately two out of three U.S. adults have blood pressure within the normal and the slightly elevated ranges.
According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, individuals with low levels of vitamin D seem to have a higher risk of developing poor blood pressure health than those with higher levels of vitamin D.
During the winter months, it can be hard to soak in vitamin D from the sun, due to the amount of time spent indoors. However, there are a few ways to get a healthy amount of vitamin D in your diet, even if you're stuck inside.
A dietary supplement
Naturade BP Health may help maintain blood pressure levels that are within the normal range. Normal blood pressure is characterized as having a systolic reading that is less than 120 and a diastolic reading that is less than 80. With this supplement, you will be getting a healthy dose of vitamin D3, also known as cholecalciferol.
Vitamin D-rich foods
There are plenty of foods that contain a healthy amount of vitamin D. Here are a few delicious options to choose from:
Fatty fish: Specific types of fish, like salmon, mackerel, light canned tuna, herring and sardines, contain about 165 to 445 IUs of vitamin D. Keep in mind that canned fish in oil contains more vitamin D than canned fish in water. When it comes to salmon, there are plenty of tasty ways to cook it, whether you sear, grill, broil or bake it.
Eggs: Before you turn away the yolk of the egg for just the egg white, think again. One egg yolk has about 20 IU, which is about 6 percent of your daily value of Vitamin D. Whip up some scrambled eggs in the morning or hard boil them and stick them on your sandwich or in a salad.
Swiss cheese: This dairy treat may be filled with holes, but it is also filled with about 12 IU of vitamin D, which is 4 percent of your daily value. This type of cheese also contains less sodium than a highly processed variety like American.