Sunshine Month: Benefits of Vitamin D

By Tim Lochhead

With the nice change of weather (finally! at least for those of us local here in Southern Ontario) we will turn out attention to the benefits of Vitamin D, a.k.a. the sunshine vitamin.

Technically a hormone and not a vitamin because of the way vitamin D is mobilized in our bodies, there are many great benefits regardless of what you call it:

• Keeps bones and teeth healthy and strong
• Reduces inflammation
• Perhaps the biggest benefit is tied to immune system support. Your immune cells have receptors for Vitamin D that helps activate certain cells to fight off pathogens. Vitamin D has been linked in fighting off a variety of cancers including colon, breast, ovarian and prostate. Vitamin D is also connected with fighting off colds and flu. Is it any wonder why cold and flu “season” occurs with very little sunlight?

 

Stay tuned as future posts will look at some ways to get Vitamin D and comment on recommended amounts and sunscreen!