Benefits of Vitamin D
Without vitamin D there would be no human life.
Vitamin D has long been associated with bone and skeletal health and wellbeing. In the last five years, intensive research had revealed that vitamin D is a powerhouse of wellness and it is readily available in ample, effective amounts through supplementation.
The natural source of vitamin D is sunlight – there are also 5 foods that contain vitamin D:
- Milk
- Tuna
- Fatty Fish
- Eggs
- Mushrooms (grown outdoor)
Recent research has shown tremendous benefits related to:
- Infections
- Inflammation
- Cellular health & growth
- Depression and neurological disorders
- Cognitive health in aging
- Cold and flu
- Diabetes
- Osteoporosis
- Rheumatoid arthritis
- Tuberculosis
- Muscle injury and pain
- Over all general health and wellness
Almost everyone can benefit from supplementation of vitamin D:
- Young children and infants for proper growth and skeletal development
- Youths and young adults for a healthy transition to adulthood and to maintain healthy brain development and growth
- Adults for maintenance of general health and a strong immune system
- Aging adults to help sustain strong bones and muscles
This once obscure vitamin had been thought to only fortify skeletal structure through the minerals calcium and phosphorus.
Who needs vitamin D? Probably you! Today’s research indicates that appropriate levels of vitamin D may lower risks of heart attacks, breast and colon cancer and kidney disease. Increasing serum levels of vitamin D can improve cardiovascular health. One study indicated that vitamin D dramatically lowered the risk of heart disease and heart attacks. Arterial elasticity can be directly related to higher serum levels of vitamin D. Actually, vitamin D seems to lower the level of angiotensin, a hormone that causes an increase in blood pressure.
Study subjects with the lowest or deficient serum levels of D showed a much higher degree of arterial hardening. Subjects with the highest D readings showed significantly improved vascular elasticity and lower blood pressure. Vitamin D appears to improve cardiovascular health by helping to regulate inflammation during activities. So to conclude, vitamin D plays a critical role in maintaining and achieving both a healthy mind and body!
If you are unsure if you are vitamin D deficient, best to book an appointment with Dr. Rekha Kanuga, our well-known General Practitioner. Please call GMCClinics Trade Centre Apartments branch on 04 331 3544.
