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A simple, free trick could make mushroomsmuch more nutritious and turn them into an even greater powerhouse of vitamin D, experts say. Elliot Webb, founder of Urban Farm-It and author of Growing Mushrooms at Home, said the simple tip is effective and means eating mushrooms is even better for you.

Most people associate vitamin D with sunlight exposure on human skin, but mushrooms have a similar ability to provide the essential nutrient. Elliot said: "Mushrooms contain a compound called ergosterol, which converts into vitamin D2 when exposed to ultraviolet light. This means that simply placing mushrooms in direct sunlightcan increase their vitamin D content."

Typically, mushrooms contain around one or two micrograms of vitamin D, but this hack can multiply that amount by as much as 20 times. "Just 15 to 30 minutes of sun exposure to your mushrooms can make a difference," Elliot said.

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With many people relying on supplements to boost their vitamin D intake, this natural approach could provide an easy and cost-effective alternative. "Sun-exposed mushrooms are an excellent source of vitamin D, especially for those following plant-based diets," Elliot said. "This method is widely recognised in Scandinavian countries, where wild mushrooms naturally exposed to sunlight have long been valued for their nutritional benefits."

Scientific studies have confirmed the transformation that sunlight can have on mushrooms.

"Research has shown that exposing even dried mushrooms to UV light can generate nutritionally significant amounts of vitamin D," Elliot said. "In commercial settings, UV lamps have been used to enhance mushrooms in just seconds, making this a viable solution to address vitamin D deficiencies."

Beyond vitamin D, mushrooms offer a wide range of additional health benefits. Elliot said: "They are a great source of antioxidants, fibre, and essential minerals. Incorporating them into your diet regularly can support overall well-being."