Sunshine Vitamin

     I'm sad to say the sun is playing some games with me and not coming out nearly as much as it should! But now is the perfect time to catch up on a vitamin you probably haven't been getting a lot of during the winter months: Vitamin D (or the sunshine vitamin). 

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     We all know that sunscreen is very important, especially in summer months when the UV Index gets high and we all want to protect our skin and look great. But there are times when you can get away with not wearing it, for a short time. Even though I'm bad and try to get away with it a bit longer ahaha. 
     During Spring when the weather is first getting warm you have a chance to sit in the sun without slathering yourself in sunscreen to soak up some Vitamin D. I'm not suggesting sitting out at noon under the blazing heat but definitely take a few minutes here or there to soak up some sun.
     
Some of the benefits of Vitamin D are:

• It is crucial for the absorption and metabolism of calcium and phosphorous, which have various functions, especially the maintenance of healthy bones.
• It is an immune system regulator.
• It may be an important way to arm the immune system against disorders like the common cold.
• It may reduce the risk of developing multiple sclerosis. Multiple sclerosis is much less common the nearer you get to the tropics, where there is much more sunlight.
• Vitamin D may have a key role in helping the brain to keep working well in later life.
• Vitamin D is probably linked to maintaining a healthy body weight.
• It can reduce the severity and frequency of asthma symptoms, and also the likelihood of hospitalizations due to asthma.
• It has been shown to reduce the risk of developing rheumatoid arthritis in women.
• A form of vitamin D could be one of our body's main protections against damage from low levels of radiation.
• Various studies have shown that people with adequate levels of vitamin D have a significantly lower risk of developing cancer, compared to people with lower levels. 

     This article was adapted from this and you can view all of the information on Vitamin D (I skipped all the science stuff aha) and more links/info on the above benefits!

xo