Vitamin D and Breast Cancer

During the summer months, instead of shunning the sun completely, it is advised that a balanced approach to ensure you get enough vitamin D. Produced in the skin by the action of the sun's UV rays, vitamin D has been linked to a raft of health benefits. However, 60 to 70% of us have insufficient levels. A few minutes of sun exposure between the time (11am to 3pm) is enough for most of us in summer. Do this everyday and you will benefit from the following :

Cancer prevention:

While sun-baking in the sun increases the risk of skin cancer, sensible sun exposure can actually help to regulate cellular growth, which could prevent cells from becoming cancerous. Adequate levels of Vitamin D has been found to reduce the risk of breast, colon, rectal, ovarian and uterine cancers.

Healthier heart:

Researchers believe that vitamin D deficiency may be a factor in a heart disease, high blood pressure and metabolic syndrome, increasing the risk of heart disease by up to 50 per cent. Get a burst of sunshine everyday to reduce the risks.

Better Brain:

Sunshine can give your brain a boost. Research from the University of Manchester shows people with a higher levels of vitamin D have better attention levels and faster mental processing speed. As you get older, taking vitamin D will be a great benefit. More sun exposure during a daily walk will also boosts the mood and helps ward off depression.

Strong Bones:

Sunshine vitamin also plays a vital role in keeping our bones strong and healthy. It is helpful for the absorption of calcium and phosphorus. But magnesium plays a vital role that helps bind the absorption of these vitamins and minerals, as well as for normal bone mineralisation and structure. Deficiency of Vitamin D can increase the risk of osteoporosis and other musculoskeletal conditions.

Weight Loss:

There was a study from US researchers that the vitamin D levels of a group of dieters predicted how much weight they lost over an 11 week period. Dieters who increased their intake of vitamin D levels also shed more belly fat by the end of the study.

Reduced Asthma and allergies:

Researchers at Harvard Medical School have found that children with adequate vitamin D levels are less likely to suffer severe asthma and allergies. Where as children with low levels of vitamin D had more hyperactive airways, where more likely to be hospitalised for asthma and had more signs of allergies such as dust-mite sensitivity.

Vitamin D Sources

If you are concerned about your levels of vitamin D, a simple blood test will determine any deficiencies. Dietary supplements with vitamin D rich fortified milk , butter, eggs and oily fish provides about 10 per cent of the recommended daily intake, which means regular, sensible sun exposure is essential.

Since learning the significant benefits of Vitamin D, I have felt such a difference to my health and walk everyday to soak up the golden rays of sunshine.