We have always known that vitamin D is beneficial for healthy bones, but recent studies have revealed vitamin D benefits the human body in many other ways too.

Vitamin D decreases muscle degeneration and is highly essential for muscle development and function. The American Journal of Medicine has reported that almost half the world’s population is vitamin D deficient, and deficiency in vitamin D can lead to chronic pain in the musculoskeletal system.

Women who have been taking vitamin D supplements have shown reduced symptoms of multiple sclerosis by almost 40%. This vitamin immensely helps in autoimmune diseases and immunity response. It is also very important for brain function. Individuals with normal levels of vitamin D are less prone to depression and memory problems.

Vitamin D is a fat soluble vitamin that is gaining immense popularity due to its recently revealed innumerable health benefits. However, this vitamin is actually made from the ultra violet rays of the sun when our body gets direct exposure to the sun. Studies have shown that vitamin D has cancer-fighting properties and is beneficial in preventing colorectal cancer, leukemia, pharyngeal cancer, and breast cancer.

Vitamin D also boosts testosterone, the male sex hormone. Evidence has it that vitamin D plays a key role in cardiovascular health, and can also lower blood pressure and reduce inflammation. Vitamin D aids in the absorption of calcium and phosphorus, which are essential in maintaining healthy bones and teeth. It also helps to prevent osteoporosis. Increased levels of vitamin D also promote healthy hair and nails.

Natural sources of vitamin D are fatty fish like salmon, tuna, mackerel, herring, catfish, sardines and eel. Fish liver oils like cod liver oil are also a good source. Apart from fish, beef liver, cheese and egg yolks also contain considerable amounts of vitamin D. Even vegetarian items such as mushrooms, milk, yogurt, margarine, oil spreads, breakfast cereal, pastries and bread are fortified with vitamin D. Rickets and osteomalacia are the two main diseases which result from deficiency in vitamin D. Children with vitamin D deficiency are more prone to rickets, which result in skeletal deformities, and adults can suffer from osteomalacia that weakens bones making them brittle.

Research has also revealed that consumption of vitamin D can decrease the risk of schizophrenia in men. Osteoporosis Canada suggests that apart from a proper diet, vitamin D3 has proven to be very effective.

Tags: Vitamin D

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