Vitamin D is one of the few vitamins that can be produced endogenously by human bodies. Its synthesis by our bodies is triggered by the ultraviolet rays of the sun when the skin is exposed to sunlight.
Vitamin D is rare, but it occurs naturally in foods such as egg yolks, cheese, fatty fish such as salmon, and beef liver. Vitamin D is extremely useful to the body, with its benefits ranging from psychological to physiological.
5 Benefits of Vitamin D
This vitamin is no doubt invaluable. Here are five benefits of vitamin D that you should be aware of.
1. Protects Against Respiratory Infections
Acute respiratory tract infections cause about five million deaths per year worldwide. While vitamin C has been classically associated with protection from colds and flu, research has also shown that individuals with a deficiency of vitamin D are at a higher risk of developing respiratory tract infections.
2. Can Regulate Mood and Ward off Seasonal Depression
This benefit of vitamin D is the reason it is sometimes referred to as the ‘sunshine’ vitamin. A 2005 study identified that there are vitamin D receptors in the area of the brain associated with depression. Statistically, this puts people with higher vitamin D levels at a lower risk of seasonal depression.
3. Can Boost Weight Loss
Of all vitamin D benefits, this one receives the most attention. Some studies suggest that higher vitamin D levels in the bloodstream promote weight loss. One study, in particular, showed that individuals with Vitamin D could lose up to 3.2 kg more than individuals with lower levels. It has been theorized that vitamin D does this in a few ways:
- Discouraging storage of fat cells in the body
- Increasing serotonin levels, which decreases calorie intake
- Discouraging and reducing the creation of new fat cells
- Increasing metabolism, therefore causing your body to use up more calories
4. Prevents Bone Diseases, like Osteoporosis
Bone diseases, specifically bone-weakening diseases, are common with old age. However, these can be avoided. The most effective way of doing this is to build and maintain a high bone density before reaching the age of thirty.
After the mid-thirties, the body’s bone mass starts decreasing, so emphasis should shift from building to maintaining a high bone mass. The best way to do this is to keep exercising and to get enough calcium.
Nevertheless, as the body ages, its ability to absorb calcium decreases. This is where vitamin D comes in as it aids in the absorption of this mineral. The maintenance of proper calcium levels in the body maintains a high bone mass and staves off osteoporosis.
5. Keeps Heart Disease and Stroke at Bay
Research has linked vitamin D deficiency to a higher risk of heart attacks and strokes. There is also evidence that suggests that vitamin D strengthens the heart. There is, however, a need for further research to firmly establish this link.
Get in Touch
Vitamin D presents a host of benefits to your health and is a necessary ingredient for weight loss. If you are struggling with weight issues, contact Blue Tree Health today for more information.