Not only for bones, these are 12 benefits of vitamin D for the body

Even though the body can produce itself with the help of sunlight, you still need additional vitamin D intake, either from food or supplements. Besides being known to be able to maintain bone health, this fat-soluble vitamin also has other benefits. Check out the full explanation in the review below.

The Importance of Vitamin D Intake for the Body

Vitamin D is a type of vitamin that is very important for maintaining healthy bones and teeth. This vitamin also has many other important functions in the body, from regulating inflammation to immune function.

Here are the various benefits of vitamin D for health, including:

1. Lowers Blood Pressure

A study involving people with high blood pressure who were exposed to UVA and UVB rays regularly for 3 months, found an increase in vitamin D and their blood pressure tended to be normal.

Based on this research, it is suspected that vitamin D has a function in the production of renin enzymes which have a role in high blood pressure.

The enzyme renin together with the hormone aldosterone functions to control blood pressure by balancing fluids in the body and balancing the levels of potassium and sodium in the blood.

2. Helps Absorption of Calcium

The benefits of vitamin D can help the absorption of calcium in the body. This is the reason why vitamin D is good for maintaining healthy bones, teeth and muscles.

Calcium and vitamin D are essential in building strong, dense bones when you are young and keeping them strong as you get older.

3. Lowers Cancer Risk

Vitamin D is also believed to reduce the risk of cancer. A study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association describes research on more than 3000 people aged 50-75 years.

The study found that participants who consumed more vitamin D experienced a reduced risk of developing colon polyps/colon polyps which have the potential to become cancerous.

In addition to reducing the risk of colorectal cancer, vitamin D is also believed to reduce the risk of several other cancers such as breast cancer, ovarian cancer, prostate cancer, and pancreatic cancer. The average possible reduction in the risk of cancer mentioned above is about 40-50%.

4. Rejuvenate Skin

The next benefit of vitamin D is to maintain healthy skin. Vitamin D can prevent infection of the skin and help wound healing by repairing skin tissue.

This fat-soluble vitamin is also believed to treat several skin problems such as psoriasis and rosacea. In fact, some people use it to treat acne-prone skin.

5. Improve Cognitive Function

Vitamin D also has a role in brain development and function. This vitamin can help the process of synthesizing proteins needed by brain cells.

Vitamin D deficiency is often associated with brain disorders that can lead to diseases such as Alzheimer’s or Parkinson’s disease.

6. Overcoming Depression

Vitamin D is believed to have a function to overcome depression and help improve sleep quality. Even so, the benefits of vitamin D on this one still require further research to determine the relationship between vitamin D and depression and sleep disorders.

Also Read: 7 Benefits of Vitamin D for Men, Increase Testosterone to Brain Function

7. Prevent Multiple Sclerosis

The next benefit of vitamin D is that it can reduce the risk multiple sclerosis which is a type of autoimmune disease. This disease is a condition in which the body’s immune system attacks the lining that protects the nerves.

A study revealed that people who took vitamin D had a 40% reduced risk of developing it multiple sclerosis.

8. Maintain Heart Health

Maintaining heart health is also one of the benefits of vitamin D. Vitamin D deficiency can increase the risk of various cardiovascular diseases such as peripheral arteries, heart attacks, and strokes.

A study shows the benefits of vitamin D to reduce blood pressure to reduce heart enlargement. However, this one effect still requires further research.

9. Prevent Diabetes

A study published in European Journal of Endocrinology revealed, consumption of vitamin D supplements for 6 months increased insulin sensitivity in people with diabetes or high risk of the disease.

Such effects can halt the progression of diabetes or slow it down in people who already have it.

10. Good for Pregnancy

One of the good intakes consumed during pregnancy is vitamin D. This vitamin helps the absorption of calcium has an influence on the development of the fetus. On the other hand, a lack of vitamin D consumption can increase the risk of preeclampsia, a condition that is dangerous for the mother and fetus in the womb.

11. Lose Weight

People who are overweight or obese have a higher risk of experiencing vitamin D deficiency.

A study revealed that people with obesity who took vitamin D supplements lost more weight and fat mass. Researchers suspect this vitamin may have an appetite suppressing effect.

12. Maintaining Immunity

Adequate vitamin D intake can maintain proper immune function and reduce the risk of autoimmune diseases.

Long-term vitamin D deficiency and the development of autoimmune conditions, such as diabetes, asthma, and rheumatoid arthritis—are frequently linked—but further research is needed to confirm this association.

Also Read: Vitamin D for Diabetics, Is it Beneficial?

Various Ways to Get Vitamin D

As previously mentioned, apart from taking supplements, you are also required to maintain your vitamin D intake through natural sources. Here are natural sources of vitamin D that you can get, including:

1. Sunshine

The first natural source of vitamin D is sunlight. Exposure to UVA and UVB rays on the skin will stimulate the formation of natural vitamin D in the body. This is why someone who is not exposed to sunlight is at risk of developing vitamin D deficiency.

2. Food Sources of Vitamin D

Apart from sunlight, vitamin D can also be obtained from certain foods. Several types of foods that are high in vitamin D such as salmon, sardines, shrimp, and egg yolks. Apart from that, there are also some foods fortified with vitamin D such as milk, cereal, and yogurt.

Now,, that’s the various benefits of vitamin D for health that you can get. Hopefully this information is useful, Healthy Friends!

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