The holiday season is quickly approaching and with the numerous party appearances in the near future, this season demands us to be in the best shape possible. For many people the answer is simple, eat a healthier diet. But what if you are still not losing weight? Then, maybe you should get your vitamin D level tested.
A study done in 2000, showed that 70% of Americans suffered from vitamin D deficiency. This sunny vitamin is important for fighting depression and strengthening bones and immune system, but along with that it also plays a huge role in bringing down that number on your weight scale.
Vitamin D is important for the absorption of many minerals such as iron, zinc, calcium, magnesium and phosphate. There are two vitamin D compounds that are very important for us: vitamin D2 and vitamin D3, both of which can be obtained through sun and diet. Vitamin D3 is also synthesized by our body, provided it gets enough sun.
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Reasons why vitamin D helps you lose weight:
Nourishes the cells. Vitamin D gives your cells the proper nourishment it needs to keep functioning properly. Vitamin D receptors regulate whether the fat should be burned or stored. Once the vitamin D molecule attaches to these receptors, this reaction induces weight loss. Low levels of vitamin D cause an increase in the parathyroid and calcitriol hormone, which promotes fat storage. Research has shown that an increase of PTH can rev up the likelihood of being overweight by 40%.
Keeps you full. Vitamin D helps control cravings and hunger. When you have enough vitamin D, your body is prone to release more leptin which is the hormone that signals satiety to the brain. Low levels of vitamin D, not only make our body synthesize less vitamin D but they also cause insulin resistance which can cause overeating.
Furthermore, enough vitamin D increases the level of serotonin, which is a mood enhancing neurotransmitter. When you are feeling good, you are less prone to emotional overeating.
Increases absorption of calcium. Vitamin D plays an important role in allowing for the absorption of other minerals especially calcium. When calcium levels are high, it triggers an increase in the production of an enzyme called fatty acid synthase, which helps increase the conversion of fat into calories up to five times.
Burns belly fat. Research shows that vitamin D is particularly effective at fighting belly fat. One reason for this could be its ability to work with calcium to lower the release of a stress hormone, called cortisol, which promotes fat storage in the belly.
Food sources for vitamin D:
For vitamin D to be produced by the body, it needs sun. But because of sunscreen (which is absolutely vital to prevent premature wrinkles and skin cancer), our capacity to produce vitamin D is reduced by more than 90%. Luckily, you can increase your vitamin D levels through diet.
Food sources with the most amount of vitamin D include wild salmon, wild mackerel and mushrooms. Other sources include cod liver oil, tuna, sardines, organ meat and egg yolks.
The best kind of vitamin D to consume would be Vitamin D3, because it is formed naturally in your body. But before taking any kind of supplements, please consult with your doctor.
Vitamin D is very important for your overall well-being. Keep your levels in check and your weight loss efforts will definitely get a boost.
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