A new study involving more than 307,000 UK residents suggests a vitamin D deficiency can increase your overall risk of premature death and a specific risk of cancer. It is an important micronutrient for your overall health, and you can get the required amount from food including milk, eggs, meat, and sunlight.
Vitamin D not only helps you have better bone health, but it can also help fight infections. There are also several studies that talk about its role in preventing cardiac ailments and metabolic disorders like type 2 diabetes.
Following are five ways vitamin D can extend your life:
Strengthening bones and preventing fractures: It has a well-established role in absorbing and regulating calcium and phosphorus, which are essential for bone strength.
Fighting germs: Vitamin D helps immune cells produce germ-fighting proteins and controls excess inflammation, thus lowering the risk of infectious diseases.
Prevention of heart disease and diabetes: Multiple studies have demonstrated that Vitamin D decreases insulin resistance and improves fat metabolism leading to a lower incidence of diabetes and heart disease.
Prevention of dementia, depression, and other nervous system diseases: Vitamin D regulates nervous function through calcium regulation and the production of nerve growth factors. It improves mood by increasing serotonin levels in the brain.
Cancer prevention: By regulating cell signalling and cell growth, vitamin D prevents cancer, especially of the breast, colon, lung, kidney, and pancreas.
