Vitamin D is known as the “sunshine vitamin”, and it has a lot of sunny benefits, but most Americans aren't getting them because they aren't getting enough of it.
Between 50 - 75 % of Americans get sub-optimal levels of vitamin D, according to a study published in the Archives of Internal Medicine. Now a committee at the Institute of Medicine is meeting to determine whether the recommended daily intake of vitamin D should be increased.
ABC medical contributor Dr. Marie Savard came on "Good Morning America" today to offer five ways vitamin D can aid your health and tell you how to get more of it.
Why People Are Vitamin D Deficient:
Nature gave us only one good source of vitamin D, and that is the sun. We are meant to absorb vitamin D from the sun through our skin. When we lived closer to the equator and worked outdoors, we were OK. But that is not the case today. And food is not a good source of vitamin D, not even fortified food.
Five Ways Vitamin D Can Save Your Life
Promotes Weight Loss:
You need vitamin D to effectively lose weight. Your insulin works better, and vitamin D helps you lose belly fat. Diabetes is also related to low vitamin D levels.
Reduces Risk of Death:
Your overall mortality is reduced.
Fewer Bone Fractures:
Without vitamin D, calcium can't be absorbed. But if you get enough vitamin D, it can help you avoid osteoporosis, bone fractures and falling, which is a cause of morbidity among the elderly.
Reduces Risk of Heart Disease:
Vitamin D improves blood flow by relaxing the blood vessels and lowering blood pressure.
Helps Fight Cancer:
Vitamin D improves the functioning of your immune system, and that helps fight cancer.
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
No comments:
Post a Comment