Do you wish to live a longer and much healthier life? Perhaps many of you may be surprised at how beneficial sunlight can be for your health. This is perhaps the oldest and free source of a very important vitamin. Below we shall look at health benefits of vitamin D.
Your body is able to produce some vitamins naturally and vitamin D is among these. You naturally get this vitamin from sunshine. This is why it is called the “sunshine vitamin”. Researchers point out that your body will naturally generate sufficient amounts of it from spending about 10 minutes outside every day in the sun, without sun block, particularly in the summer for light-skinned people. For those who live further north or south of the tropics, you may not be able to get adequate amounts in the winter time.
If your body can not make enough amounts of this, however, you may obtain it from foods and supplements. As you grow older, your body is likely to generate less vitamin D. For that reason, you may need to monitor the foods you eat to be sure that you are taking in the required amount of this important vitamin.
Vitamin D is important for the effective use of calcium by your body. Normal blood calcium level is vital for the normal functioning of the nervous system, maintenance of bone density together with normal bone growth. The vitamin assists in absorption and metabolism of calcium and phosphorous, which have certain functions.
People also take vitamin D to minimize the risk of joint pain and osteoporosis. Those that take this vitamin are less likely encounter back pain and inflammation of the joints.
Among the health benefits of vitamin D are that it may prevent ailments like the cold and also may perform an important role in helping our brain work efficiently as you grow older. Thus, it might possibly help enhance your defense system. Vitamin D aids in absorption of nutrients in the intestinal tract to increase your immunity and making your bones strong.
Vitamin D minimize respiratory system infections, lowers stress and tension, control blood pressure, and improve cardiovascular strength. Research has also demonstrated that it can improve kidney function and decrease the frequency of asthma.
Vitamin D may help control cancer by combating abnormal cells. A research performed by Cancer Treatment Centers of America demonstrated that vitamin D deficiency was found to be common in cancer patients no matter nutritional status. Individuals who have adequate amounts of vitamin D have may have a lesser chance of developing cancer as compared to those who have inadequate amounts.
Various health benefits can be obtained from vitamin D. Hence, other than increasing your exposure to sunshine, you can also get the benefits by including vitamin D rich foods in your diet like liver, oily fish, eggs and fortified milk.
Additional good sources of vitamin D are vegetables and fresh fruits. Fortified milk and food items can likewise give this important nutrient to your body. There are also vitamin D supplements that offer this in various doses. It is suggested to consult a health care professional for advice concerning dosage because it is possible to overdose on the vitamin.