For your body to function at its best, you must consume a wide variety of vitamins and nutrients. Vitamins make sure your body is getting the nourishment it requires to remain healthy and fit. One such necessary vitamin is the sunshine vitamin, better known as vitamin D.

You’ve surely heard about the health benefits of vitamin D. If you’re wondering what’s true and what is a myth, we’re here to give you only the facts! Keep reading to learn more about the importance of Vitamin D and how you can include it in your diet.

What is Vitamin D?

Vitamin D is a fat-soluble vitamin that the body needs to build and maintain strong bones. It also enhances calcium absorption, which further contributes to healthy bones.

Despite being the most important vitamin for the body, there are an astounding number of people who face Vitamin D deficiency. There’s a good chance you’re deficient too. However, we’re here to change that! Let’s start by understanding in detail the several health benefits of Vitamin D.

Health Benefits of Vitamin D

1. Helps Absorb your Blood’s Calcium Levels

Without calcium, your bones would become brittle and weak. Vitamin D ensures that your body absorbs calcium and doesn’t simply discard it. The vitamin also absorbs phosphorus, another mineral that aids in forming healthy teeth and bones. Reduces the Risk of Type 2 Diabetes

Having enough vitamin D in your body reduces the risk of developing type 2 Diabetes. This chronic ailment develops when your body is struggling to utilize the sugar supply in your blood. Vitamin D helps reduce insulin resistance, attempting to prevent the disease entirely.

2. Lowers the Risk of Pregnancy Issues & Infants’ Health Problems

During the course of pregnancy, if the mother doesn’t get a sufficient amount of Vitamin D, she is at risk of developing preeclampsia — a condition characterized by high blood pressure, which may necessitate a C-Section.

Moreover, these vitamins are essential for newborn babies as well. It protects them from health problems like flu, eczema, and asthma.

3. Helps Control Cancer Cell Growth

In a study of cancer cells and tumors, vitamin D has proven to have several activities that may lower or prevent the development of cancer, such as promoting cellular differentiation, reducing cancer cell growth, stimulating cell death, and decreasing tumor blood vessel formation.

How do You Know If You're Getting Enough Vitamin D?

A study claims that nearly 76% of Indians face a vitamin D deficiency. If you’re experiencing symptoms such as anxiety, depression, joint pain, irritability, hair loss, fatigue, or muscle pain, there’s a high chance you’re vitamin D deficient. The best way to ascertain your vitamin levels is by taking a blood test.

How Much Vitamin D do You Need Per Day?

Adults and children above the age of 1 year need around 10 micrograms of vitamin D in a day. The majority of people should be able to absorb this amount through the natural supply of sunlight. You can spend anywhere from 15 minutes to a couple of hours in the sun to get enough vitamin D.

What are the Best Sources of Vitamin D?

The best source of Vitamin D is the sun. Take a walk early in the morning to absorb an adequate amount of Vitamin D into your body. This source of vitamin D comes with the added advantage of leaving you feeling fresh and rejuvenated for the entire day after spending just a few minutes under the sun.

Some other options to nourish your body with an adequate amount of vitamin D are food items like fish, milk, egg, broccoli, and soy milk. Apart from these, some vegan options are oranges, mushrooms, spinach, tofu, and soy chunks.

Alongside these, there are several Vitamin D supplements available. It is advised to only consume one Vitamin D tablet a day. Ensure that you consult your doctor before consuming any supplements.

To Sum Up

Vitamin D is a star player in helping your body function at its best. Spending some time in the sun, eating vitamin D-rich foods, or if required, consuming vitamin D supplements is your gateway to leading a healthy life.

However, take care to choose calcium supplements that are independently tested and certified for effective results. And in case of major deficiencies, it is best to take further steps after consulting your doctor.