Sunlight is the major source of Vitamin D and lack of sunlight can lead to vitamin D deficiency. The statistics say that at least one third of adults experience signs of vitamin D deficiency. It is said that only 20% of vitamin D comes from our diet. Another 80% is provided by the Ultra Violet – B rays from the sun. Let us see the benefits and sources of Vitamin D.
Here are Few Benefits and Sources of Vitamin D
Also known as Sunshine vitamin. It is different from other nutrients because it also functions as a hormone, a switch that occurs when the body absorbs the vitamins. Vitamin D is one among the Fat-soluble vitamins (A, D, E and K). There are 2 forms of Vitamin D: D2 and D3.Vitamin D2,
also known asergocalciferol, comes from fortified foods, plant foods, and supplements. Vitamin D3, also known ascholecalciferol as it comes from fortified foods, animal foods (fatty fish, cod liver oil, eggs, and liver), supplements. It is also Produced when your skin is exposed to ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun. Structurally, these two are not the same. Many believe that vitamin D should be classified as a hormone, with some calling it the forgotten neurosteroid.
Vitamin D deficiency and risk for Cardio Vascular diseases
Deficiency of Vitamin D increases risk of Cardio Vascular Disease. Initial prospective studies have also demonstrated that vitamin D deficiency increases the risk of developing incident hypertension or sudden cardiac death in individuals with preexisting Cardio Vascular Disease.
Vitamin D and its effect on Depression
Depression is said to be caused by environment. However psychological health, genetic factor and numerous studies confirm that 58% of the people who committed suicide lacked Vitamin D and with an increase in the level of Vitamin D the patients began to
feel much better.
An increase in Vitamin D level also helps improve the following
1.Poor functioning of immune system.
2.Osteoporosis and other problems with bones.
3.Rickets in Children.
4.Auto-immune production of insulin in Type 1 and Type 2 Diabetic patients.
5.Helps fight inflammatory immune cells.
Very few foods in nature contain vitamin D. The flesh of fatty fish such as salmon, tuna, and mackerel along with fish liver oils are among the best sources.
Exposing our body to Sunlight is very important to increase Vitamin D in our body and help prevent cancer caused by Vitamin D deficiency.
