Vitamin-D is sometimes referred to as "the sunshine vitamin." But to make facts clear, this vitamin is a type of steroid that functions in our bodies as a Hormone. Among the many functions, over 200 genes depend on this vital nutrient. The Vitamin is important for our growth, nurturing, and boosting current health.
Usually, there exists two primary sources of vitamin D present in food. Vitamin-D3 is the most active type and is only derived from animal sources. Vitamin-D2 originates from sources in plants. To generate Vitamin-D, both animals and plants need sunlight.
Health benefits of Vitamin- D
Owing to its capability of affecting genetic expression, vitamin D has many benefits. Below are the major pointers of the possible health advantages of vitamin D:
Healthier Bones
Vitamin-D promotes the absorption of calcium and phosphorus into the body. Both of these nutrients are essential for bone health. The same helps in prsevering the bones for a healthier old age. Also, the lack of Vitamin-D may appear as
Rickets in children
Osteomalacia (softening of the bones)
Osteoporosis in adults
Lowers the Chances of Cancer
Vitamin-D regulates the body's cell growth and cell-to-cell contacts. Some studies have indicated that promoting cellular differentiation, reduce Cancer Cell Development. Working as an active form of hormone, Vitamin-D delays or decrease cancer progression.
Improves Immunity
Vitamin-D regulates the working of Genes that maintain a healthy immune system. This further helps the body attack bacteria and viruses, that may lead to common cold and flu. Hence, boosting our immune system.
Helps in Weight Loss
Intake of a good quantity of Vitamin-D results in weight loss. A study indicated that the Vitamin acts as appetite suppressants.
Best Sources of Vitamin-D
Let's read below some of the best and potential sources of consumption of vitamin D:
To get a daily dose of Vitamin-D, spending a little time in the sun is the simplest way. But, exposing your skin to the elements in winter for a long time can be a bad idea.
The intake of Fatty Fish and Fish Oils is an amazing way to consume Vitamin-D. Apart from being a rich in this vitamin, fishes such as salmon, mackerel, trout, etc, are rich in omega-3 fatty acids. These fatty acids help our body combat inflammation.
Mushrooms are also said to be a rich source of Vitamin-D. It is the only natural and plant source to produce natural Vitamin-D. The highest vitamin content is in wild mushrooms and those that are exposed to UV radiation.
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Healthy Jeena Sikho is providing information under Healthy Living Blog to help people learn about widely available alternate means to achieve Uber health and fitness of mind, body and soul. Its contents on an “AS IS” basis and makes no representations of any kind with respect to blog contents.The information on this site is not intended as medical advice, medical nutrition therapy or individualized nutrition counseling/coaching.This Site and its authors do not claim to cure, prevent, diagnose, or treat any nutrition-related disease or health condition. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before changing your diet or medications or beginning any exercise routine.The information provided on this site is for informational purposes only This article is published for educating masses at large under Healthy Living Blog initiative. These are small baby steps to aware people more about healthy and holistic lifestyle, affordable assisted living and organic products around. We call that Celebration of Being ALIVE.