A close-up of sunflower seed kernels.
Image Credit: mychadre77/iStock/Getty Images Vitamin D is a fat-soluble vitamin that helps you metabolize the mineral calcium to build strong bones and teeth. Your body can manufacture vitamin D if you are exposed to sunlight, so food sources aren’t necessarily a big issue unless you live in a far-northern climate with long winters or spend all your time indoors. Although nuts and seeds offer other nutritional benefits, vitamin D is not one of them.
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Nutritional Benefits
Nuts and seeds are small packages of protein, minerals, vitamins, antioxidants and healthy fats, according to the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. Almonds, for example, are a good source of vitamin E and magnesium, while walnuts are loaded with antioxidants and alpha-linolenic acid, which is an omega-3 fatty acid. Chia seeds contain iron, calcium, magnesium and zinc. Sunflower seeds have lots of vitamin E and phosphorus, as well as vitamin B-6 and folate. None of these nuts and seeds, however, contain vitamin D. To boost vitamin D, get out in the sun or eat fatty fish and egg yolks, which are much better vitamin D sources than any nut or seed.
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references
Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics: In a Nutshell
Massachusetts Institute of Technology: Optimizing Your Diet - Best Foods for Specific Vitamins
Office of Dietary Supplements: Vitamin D
Huff Post: Fiftysomething Diet: 5 Seeds You Need To Eat
references
Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics: In a Nutshell
Massachusetts Institute of Technology: Optimizing Your Diet - Best Foods for Specific Vitamins
Office of Dietary Supplements: Vitamin D
Huff Post: Fiftysomething Diet: 5 Seeds You Need To Eat
A close-up of sunflower seed kernels.
Image Credit: mychadre77/iStock/Getty Images
Image Credit: mychadre77/iStock/Getty Images
Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics: In a Nutshell
Massachusetts Institute of Technology: Optimizing Your Diet - Best Foods for Specific Vitamins
Office of Dietary Supplements: Vitamin D
Huff Post: Fiftysomething Diet: 5 Seeds You Need To Eat
