8 SURPRISING BENEFITS OF VITAMIN D

Vitamins are an essential element to human

health. Most vitamins are attained by the foods we consume. However, there is one in particular which is derived from both food and the sun that plays an extremely important role in overall well being. Vitamin D also known as the ‘Sunshine Vitamin,’ is quite simply one of the most beneficial vitamins known in existence. But what is it about vitamin D that makes it so important? Scientific research has shown that nearly every cell and tissue in the body has vitamin D receptors. Which means that it is actually an essential hormone that plays a vital role in a large number of physiological processes. 8 SURPRISING BENEFITS OF VITAMIN D


# 1. HELPS YOUR BONES

Vitamin D helps prevent osteoporosis and helps to strengthen your bones. Research has shown that individuals with low levels of vitamin D have higher rates of osteoporosis and weakened bones. Apparently, vitamin D is needed for adequate calcium absorption which helps to maintain a healthy skeleton.

#2. GUARDS YOU AGAINST CANCER

Cancer is prevalent among modern day societies and usually appears amongst populations that have weakened immune systems. Individuals who have low levels of vitamin D are at a greater risk of developing it. Many studies have concluded the importance of getting enough vitamin D to help prevent cancer. Research has found that individuals that live in northern latitudes have less vitamin D levels in their bodies, which naturally weakens their immunity. This is why cancer rates are relatively higher in populations that reside in northern latitudes. Vitamin D receptors regulate a number of processes related to the immune response to cancer cells, tumor growth, and inflammation. Getting enough vitamin D is not only important but essential if you want to prevent cancer.

#3. PREVENTS DEPRESSION

The onset of winter is usually a time when people might feel down or depressed. But why does this occur? During the dark months, vitamin D levels naturally decline. This is due to the sun’s increasing distance towards the Earth during winter. Our sun’s UVB rays are simply not powerful enough during those months. These rays absorb into your skin which your body uses to make vitamin D. The UVB radiations of the sun convert 7-dehydrocholesterol, which is a compound found in your skin’s epidermis which then converts to previtamin D-3. Taking vitamin D-3 supplements or exposing yourself to the sun will help you attain the benefits of vitamin D and help improve your mood. Studies have shown that individuals who increase their vitamin D levels have lower depression rates than those who have low vitamin D levels.

#4. IMPROVES HEART HEALTH

Your heart health depends on many factors. Food intake, stress levels and exercise are all very important. However, if you are not getting enough vitamin D then your cardiovascular system will surely decline. But why is vitamin D important to your heart? The reason vitamin D levels are vital in maintaining cardiovascular health is because  heart muscle and the circulatory system are loaded with vitamin D receptors. This hormone is needed for optimal health and function. People who regularly get enough vitamin D have healthier cardiovascular systems, unlike those which are deficient.

#5. PREVENTS PREMATURE AGING OF SKIN

Your skin is the largest organ and is very important in protecting yourself from the world outside. However, without sufficient levels of vitamin D, your skin will eventually decline in its appearance and performance. You may be wondering how this vitamin is able to miraculously improve skin. The reason is simple. Vitamin D acts as a powerful antioxidant to combat oxidative stress and free radical damage.

#6. HELPS MANAGE DIABETES

Diabetes is growing common especially among younger populations. But why is that? Could it be the extra time away from the sun and limited outdoor activity? Scientific studies have shown that low vitamin D levels exacerbate diabetes and even help to promote it. A recent study showed that individuals with low vitamin D levels were more likely to have type 2 diabetes, pre-diabetes, or metabolic syndrome. Vitamin D is very important as it helps the body regulate insulin which helps ward off metabolic diseases.

#7. PREVENTS INFLUENZA

Winter and influenza are complimentary towards each other. People usually don't get enough sunlight in the winter which means they will be naturally deficient in vitamin D. Unfortunately, this deficiency leads to a weakened immune system which is why colds and influenza are so prevalent during the winter months. So how does vitamin D actually help prevent influenza? Vitamin D acts as a powerful antibiotic which helps to strengthen the immune system.

#8. OFFERS PROTECTION AGAINST AUTOIMMUNE DISORDERS

Vitamin D is not only important for staving off osteoporosis and your winter fluenza but scientific evidence proclaims that vitamin D may be a missing link in nearly all autoimmune diseases. Vitamin D is so powerful because it has the ability to modulate and balance our immune system. Recent studies have found that nearly 90% of Multiple sclerosis patients are deficient in vitamin D. Consider increasing your vitamin D levels if you want to prevent or help to manage an autoimmune disorder.


CONCLUSION

Humans cannot live without adequate levels of vitamin D and if they do, they will eventually fall victim to a various array of health problems. Which range from depression to autoimmune disorders. Over the years, misconceptions about vitamin D and its dosage has confused and led to more deficiency. Simply getting this vitamin from food alone, will result in very low levels. Vitamin D is the most potent and viable through direct sun exposure. Getting just twenty minutes of sun exposure daily throughout the spring, summer and early autumn months is enough for most people. If that is not convenient, you could get adequate levels just several times a week, especially in the late spring and summer. Your body will preserve excess amounts of vitamin D and store it until it starts running low. Be sure not to use sunscreen to enable full absorption and always be careful of sunburning which increases skin cancer risk. Having knowledge and common sense about this vitamin will ensure good general health that you could enjoy for a lifetime!