As we learn more about vitamin D, we're learning more on a regular basis how this important to our health vitamin can help us. We are going to get into our sources of vitamin D in a minute, but first these constitute some of the exciting new findings for this genuine miracle vitamin. There is now evidence to linking vitamin D to the reduction of Alzheimer's Disease, benefits for health of our eyes, the prevention of Type 2 diabetes, seizure control in epilepsy, as well as the treatment of tuberculosis.
But at this time we are going to focus on strength and losing weight. From a current investigation available in the journal of Clinical Nutrition, it had been discovered that when participants combined vitamin D with weight exercise it was found to be a more positive change in waist-to-hip ratio as opposed to those who only did resistance weight training. Waist-to-hip ratio is currently considered a far better measure for determining your threat for heart problems and type 2 diabetes than body mass index (BMI). The ratio really highlights the importance of losing belly fat for improved health.
Other research has found that those with greater amounts of vitamin D in their systems had greater arm and leg strength, with a greater correlation established with arm strength. We normally associate the vitamin with helping bones absorb calcium, but new exploration has discovered that it plays a vital role in the development of fast-twitch muscle fibers. Considering that upper body and arms have more of the fast-twitch muscles as opposed to the legs, this is the main reason why the vitamin will have a larger consequence with the upper body.
In one more study of NFL players it was established that players who suffered muscle injuries generally had significantly lower amounts of vitamin D. Surprisingly, this study found that 27% among the participants on this investigation had deficient amounts, meaning that if those deficiencies were addressed by all professional teams it could be likely to reduce athletic injuries, perhaps dramatically.
So what are the most effective ways for us to get this important vitamin, and is there any risk from getting too much? The optimum way will be from the sun. As the cholesterol within the skin is exposed to sunlight, it is transformed to vitamin D. But since we have now been told how harmful cholesterol and sunlight is to our wellbeing, it really is no surprise so many people remain deficient. As with anything, they must be kept within harmless amounts. It is suggested that sun exposure to the legs and arms for 5-30 minutes daily twice weekly at midday will be adequate. This is where we should be getting 80-90% of the vitamin.
Obviously if it's winter and you don't catch sight of the daylight for weeks at a time, there are several excellent food sources. Vitamin D fortified orange juice or milk is good, as are egg yolks, cheese, butter and fortified cereals. Salmon and other fatty fish are additional excellent options. But since it is recommended that we get 600-800 IU of vitamin D, which is really a lot of salmon to eat if you don't have other sources. Supplements in this case could be the last choice, but most specialists that are not selling supplements agree that this isn't the best source of vitamin D.
Author Resource:
Egg yolks are wonderful source of Vitamin D, and as long as they are eaten in moderation they are excellent for heart health. Read all about this wonderful vitamin and how it helps build muscle on our website http://muscle4weightloss.com/ . Rich Carroll is a writer and avid health advocate now living in Chicago.