Vitamin D is an essential nutrient that naturally occurs in the body when we are in direct sunlight exposure. This vitamin plays a role in several crucial bodily functions.
This vitamin has an important role in comprehensive health as it plays a fundamental role in the adequate absorption of phosphorus and calcium. Additionally, Vitamin D helps with the proper functioning of the Immune System.
Vitamin D also has many other vital functions for the body that while not as well-known as those mentioned above, are still as interesting and surprising.
Benefits of Vitamin D
Yes, Vitamin D is more than what meets the eye!
Vitamin D has a series of essential roles in the body, however in this article, we will focus on three benefits that are not as well-known.
1. Fights Diseases
According to a 2006 study by the Journal of the American Medical Association, Vitamin D plays an essential role in reducing the risk of developing multiple sclerosis.
It also helps decrease the risk of developing heart disease, and it helps fight the flu virus. This is according to the studies published in the medical online journal Circulation (2008) and the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition (2010) respectively.
2. Helps Reduce Depression
Research shows that Vitamin D helps prevent or reduce the symptoms of Depression by playing a vital role in regulating moods; as shown in the 2008 article Effects of vitamin D supplementation on symptoms of depression in overweight and obese subjects: randomized double-blind trial by R. Jorde M. Sneve Y. Figenschau J. Svartberg K. Waterloo.
In another study published in the medical journal Clin Rheumatol vol. 26, it was shown that Vitamin D deficiency was commonly found in people experiencing depression and anxiety.
So, if you are experiencing some unexplained mood swings or are feeling a bit emotionally drained and under the weather, consider adding a bit extra Vitamin D to your regular diet.
3. Boosts Weight Loss
A study published by the British Journal of Nutrition (2009), showed that the group of people with daily consumption of vitamin D and calcium achieved greater weight loss faster than the group who took a placebo supplement.
The link between vitamin D and calcium intake and weight loss has to do with the appetite control properties present in these nutrients, especially when accompanied with a well-balanced diet.
In another study published in The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, Volume 89 (2009), it was shown that Vitamin D also helps reduce the risk of cardiovascular diseases in overweight people.
More Benefits of Vitamin D
Vitamin D also plays a vital role in the proper function and strengthening of the Immune System. This vitamin enhances the pathogen-fighting immune cells, such as macrophages and T-cells.
Additionally, Vitamin D has anti-inflammatory and immunoregulatory properties, which are essential for the proper activation and function of the immune response of the body as well as for reducing the risk of infections, diseases, and even immune-related disorders.
For these reasons, it is necessary to include an adequate dose of Vitamin D into your daily nutrition. You will see an improvement in your well-being and health.
Vitamin D can be difficult to obtain naturally since not all of us have the opportunity to sunbathe as much or as often as we would like. Integrating a vitamin D supplement into your diet is an excellent option to ensure comprehensive health and complete nutrition.
Discover all the benefits of vitamin D by integrating a good supplement into your diet, and take your activity, health, and good mood to a new level!
