Everything on this planet of ours needs sunlight, we need it for growth and for happiness.
As the nights start to draw in and Winter rears it’s head once again. More and more of us will find that our daily routine simply doesn’t allow us to spend much time outdoors, in sunlight.
About ninety per cent of our essential vitamin D must come from other sources such as the skin’s unprotected exposure to the sun, yet those of us living in the UK have dramatically reduced levels of sunshine due to the weather, frequent use of sun cream, and an increasing internal existence.
With just 10 per cent of vitamin D available through diet, and with increasingly sedentary, indoor lifestyles now the norm, people not sufficiently exposed to the sun may not synthesise sufficient vitamin D in order to meet physiological requirements. Recent vitamin D guidance by Public Health England has once again highlighted the UK-wide issue of vitamin D deficiency.
Sunlight delivers so many benefits to our bodies. Sunshine warms and reinvigorates every cell in our body; also aiding the secretion of Vitamin D. Vitamin D is responsible for the intestinal absorption of calcium and phosphorus to maintain health bones. Vitamin D also plays a pivotal role in the modulation of the immune system.
Are you getting enough Vitamin D?
There are various types of vitamin D that are important for the human body these being vitamin D2 which is synthesized by the plants and vitamin D3 which is made by the skin in the exposure of ultra violet light. Both are beneficial however, only 10mins of sun exposure will give you adequate amounts of vitamin D.
A unique micro nutrient
Vitamin D3 is a very unique micro nutrient, it may also have an affect on maintaining a healthy weight. It acts as a hormone that could play a role in the proper regulation of several body processes, including regulating the immune system and also controlling our metabolism. Our bodies can only produce Vitamin D3 if we are exposed to sunlight or by taking a daily supplement.
Vitamin D rich foods
We can absorb Vitamin D from some food types, including shiitake and button mushrooms, Mackerel and most oily fish including salmon. Apart from fabulous oily fish, you should also include shrimps and seashells in your diet and to keep your levels topped up consider taking a supplement.
To boost your happiness and health think about taking a vitamin D supplement to stay strong, happy and healthy and when everyone around is suffering the sniffles you’ll be smiling.
So why is Vitamin D important for us?
Vitamin D3 is a very unique micro-nutrient that may have an affect on maintaining a healthy weight. It acts as a hormone that could play a sweeping role in the proper regulation of several body processes including regulating the immune system and also controlling our metabolism.
