Why is Vitamin D so good for us?
Centuries of research have proven a fundamental truth when it comes to nutrition: Some nutrients are absolutely vital to your health. Among the most beneficial is Vitamin D, which a series of studies have found can benefit your body in any number of ways.
Vitamin D is also relatively unique as far as Vitamins go. This is because being in the sun can help your body produce Vitamin D, thus making it different than many other vitamins. In other words, spending time in the sun can be good for you and help reduce a Vitamin D deficiency.
WHY IS VITAMIN D GOOD FOR YOUR BODY?
Vitamin D is good for you because it can help your body – and specifically your bones. Two of the most well-known and well-understood benefits of getting adequate levels of Vitamin D include keeping your bones strong and aid in absorbing calcium. Having adequate levels of Vitamin D – even if that means taking the Vitamin via a supplement – can help your bones stay strong. This can improve muscle mass, reduce pain, and decrease the chance of breaking a bone if you are injured. It can also help prevent osteoporosis, which results in people losing bone density.
A lack of Vitamin D is associated with many bone health issues. Other challenges include:
Diabetes
Infections and reduced functioning of your immune system
High blood pressure
Heart disease
Certain cancers
DOES VITAMIN D GIVE YOU ENERGY?
Vitamin D may be associated with an improvement in overall energy levels. This seems to be the case because Vitamin D helps the powerhouse of the cell – your mitochondria – more efficiently use oxygen. This results in improved functioning of your organs and bones.
Numerous studies have confirmed the theory that Vitamin D is associated with a decrease in fatigue and an increase in energy levels. One study found that this was also the case for people who had kidney transplants, thus implying that vitamin D could help the energy levels of people who were in an immuno-compromised position.
WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF VITAMIN D3?
Vitamin D3 has a nickname: The “sunshine vitamin.” This is because you can naturally add this vitamin to your bloodstream by simply spending time outdoors. D3, like Vitamin D in general, helps your body absorb calcium and phosphorous. This, in turn, leads to healthier bones.
D3 seems to also have some specific benefits. It helps improve the functioning of your immune system, improve the health of your heart, and may even improve your mood. Indeed, some have argued that this is the reason that spending time in the sun is associated by some with fighting depression. Using sunscreen may reduce the amount of Vitamin D3 that your body absorbs, but there is no question that sunscreen is necessary when spending time in the sun, so the tradeoff here is obvious.
Vitamin D3 is found in many foods, including butter, cod liver oil, cheese, cereal, and more. It is also available as a supplement, and many people find it easier – and healthier – to get their recommended dose of Vitamin D in this way.
As you can see, there are numerous benefits of Vitamin D, including taking it in either a natural or supplemental form. As a Centre we sell Vitamin D as a supplement, in order to give you a boost if you need it!
If you have any questions about your nutrition or health in general give us a call on 01202 604707 or email admin@wimbornewellnesscentre.co.uk.