What Are the Health Benefits of Vitamin D?

Vitamin D does help keep bones strong and healthy. Vitamin D is essential for facilitating calcium absorption, and calcium is essential for healthy bones.

Studies have demonstrated that people who get plenty of vitamin D in their diet tend to enjoy a reduced risk for heart disease. Researchers suggest getting more sunshine or adding more vitamin D-rich foods to your diet to enjoy a reduced risk of heart attack, stroke, and other associated conditions.

Our bodies are frequently exposed to radiation. Low-level radiation is a factor of life, but having enough vitamin D in our bodies helps protect us from everything from the sun's radiation to radiation from an x-ray.

The proteins in our body known as 'c-proteins' are responsible for producing inflammation in the body. Vitamin D has the power to cut this protein down by as much as a third. Less c-protein means less inflammation.

In 2006, the Journal of the American Medical Association published a report asserting the vitamin D helps protect the body from the development of multiple sclerosis. In another study, researchers found the people suffering from this condition may experience reduced frequency and severity of symptoms.

Medical studies suggest that vitamin D can help keep our moods regulated. The ability for improved mood regulation means a reduced risk for depression and depressive symptoms.

Vitamin D appears to have some effect on muscle spasms and cramps. This vitamin can keep our muscles and bones functioning optimally by promoting calcium absorption. If you've been experiencing muscle twitches or spasms, try increasing your vitamin D.

People with a vitamin D deficiency are at increased risk for chronic headaches. By increasing vitamin D intake, you are less likely to suffer from headaches.

Vitamin D appears to help people keep obesity at bay. Studies have shown that vitamin D helps keep the body's fat levels on the low side. Taking a walk in the sunshine, therefore, offers a double benefit because it enhances fitness while promoting vitamin D production.

Fibroids can cause immense discomfort for women, particularly when they grow large. Vitamin D appears to have the power to cut back on fibroid development and can reduce their growth level.

Some studies have shown that vitamin D can help prevent or slow the spread of cancer. This vitamin appears to have the ability to prevent the growth of cancerous cells.

Do you have a busy work week coming up? By increasing your vitamin D intake, you can enhance cognitive performance. Studies show that low levels of vitamin D are associated with impaired cognitive function. While more studies are needed in this area, there is anecdotal evidence that the sunshine vitamin can promote focus and memory.

Insomnia affects many people. Vitamin D deficiency has been linked to various sleep disorders. High concentrations of this vitamin help people maintain healthy sleep patterns.

Vitamin D does have the power to enhance immune system function. Our immune systems cells actually have a receptor that specifically helps them absorb vitamin D so it can be used optimally. During the cold season when we expect our bodies to work extra hard to ward off the cold and flu, we might need to add more vitamin D-rich foods in our diet, particularly if we don't get enough sunshine.

Age-related macular degeneration often begins in our mid-lives. While our age and genes play a role in this condition, we can do our part to protect our vision by getting plenty of nutrients that support our eye health. Vitamin D appears to help guard against macular degeneration even among people whose genetics make them high-risk candidates for this condition.