Benefits of Vitamin D

By: arpita

• Nutrients

July 9, 2009

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New studies are unveiling new benefits of vitamin D. This vitamin, which our body manufactures from sunlight, was traditionally linked to healthy bones. However, new researches have uncovered new roles of vitamin D. Adequate intake of vitamin D can prevent a host of ailments including osteoporosis, cancer, cardiac diseases and even diabetes.

Prevents diabetes

Researchers from Loyola University Chicago Marcells Niehoff School of Nursing have found that adequate consumption of vitamin D could delay the onset of diabetes, reduce its complications, and even prevent it. In an earlier study, conducted by researchers of Tufts University, intake of vitamin D combined with calcium through milk and dairy products could reduce the risk of type 2 diabetes by 15 percent. It is believed that vitamin D helps our body to produce insulin. Three servings of fat free or low fat milk could reduce the risk of diabetes.

Prevents cancer

Although, it is unclear how vitamin D prevents proliferation of malignant cells, but nonetheless, studies have found that this vitamin could prevent lung, breast, kidney, uterus, ovary, colon and rectum cancers.

Build Strong Bones and Muscles

Vitamin D helps in the regulation of calcium in the body. It aids absorption of calcium in our bones. As our muscles weaken with age, the risk of fall and consequent bone fracture increases with age. Vitamin D strengthens muscles and prevents fall. Lack of vitamin D can also be responsible for chronic muscle pain. It is therefore essential for the elderly to increase their consumption of vitamin D.

Prevents heart diseases

It is believed that the risk of deposition of calcium in coronary arteries could be linked to vitamin D deficiency. Adequate intake of vitamin D could prevent cardiovascular diseases associated with calcification of arteries and congestive heart failure.

Prevents autoimmune diseases

Low level of vitamin D might be responsible for various autoimmune diseases, such as rheumatoid arthritis, type 1 diabetes and multiple sclerosis. Vitamin D is capable of strengthening the weak immune system, which is responsible for causing autoimmune diseases. Vitamin D also reduces inflammation.

Sources of vitamin D

Vitamin D is naturally made in the body with the help of sunlight. Sunlight helps to convert vitamin D precursor, present in our body, to active vitamin D. Controlled exposure to sunlight can provide our body adequate amount of vitamin D. Foods rich in vitamin D include milk, egg yolk, cod liver oil, salmon, tuna and mackerel.

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