Discovered in the early 1990’s, Vitamin D is one of the most understood form of vitamin. Curious why we say so? This is because this is one vitamin that our body generates in its own self by absorbing the ultraviolet B in sunlight. But due to the mindless (read excessive) use of sunscreen and excessive time spent indoor, human body may not produce the desired amount of Vitamin D necessary for the upkeep of our health. Often called as the sunshine vitamin, Vitamin D is packed with goodness of health. Let us explore its benefits today!
Why is it called a Sunshine Vitamin?
It is called a sunshine vitamin because it is produced internally in the skin as a direct response of the sunlight. It is a fat-soluble vitamin, which contains the compounds family of different sort of vitamins, such as Vitamin D1, D2 and D3. It is known to affect as many as 2,000 genes in the body and for most adults, 600 IU is the current Recommended Daily Allowance (RDA).
Importance of Vitamin D
Vitamin D is vital for human consumption as it helps in the following:
Regulating mineral concentration of phosphorous and calcium in the body.
Aids muscle strength and its maintenance and growth.
Builds and helps in keeping bones strong and firm by perking up the calcium absorption.
Assists in building a healthy immune system.
Vitamin D and its Bone Health Nourishment Aspect
Vitamin D has many important functions, but most of all it is an important vitamin for the normal growth and development of human bones and teeth. It helps in absorbing calcium and phosphorous in the body, hence leading to a normal immune system function. In case of lack of Vitamin D in the body, one can even get bone abnormalities, such as osteomalacia (soft bones) or osteoporosis (fragile bones).
Vitamin D Supports Cardiovascular Health
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It is a proven fact that almost all heart patients have in some way or the other lower levels of vitamin D in their body. Often recognized as an independent predictor of health conditions related to heart and blood vessels, lack of Vitamin D in the body can lead to 42% increased risk of dying of cardiovascular disease and a 49 to 64% increased risk of a stroke.
Vitamin D Fights Many Other Disease
Apart from offering primary health benefits, Vitamin D also plays a major role in the following health conditions:
According to 2010 research published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, Vitamin D is also known to reduce the likelihood of flu in human body, keeping infections at bay and raising our immunity against bacterias. According to a 2006 study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association, Vitamin D helps in lowering the occurrence rate of multiple sclerosis.
According to 2008 results printed in Circulation, Vitamin D aids in lowering your chances of developing heart diseases.
So, How Do You Get This Sunshine Vitamin?
Human body produces Vitamin D naturally as a result to direct exposure to sunlight. A minimum of 30 minutes of sunlight exposure in a day ensures that you get daily recommended amount of Vitamin D in your body.
Apart from sunlight, you can also get it through Vitamin D through many food items, such as flesh of fatty fish (such as salmon, tuna, and mackerel) and fish liver oils, beef liver, cheese, and egg yolks.
So, take charge of your health today and make sure you are using the miracle power of this sunshine vitamin for the best of your health.