Vitamin D has long been linked to mood. Now, recent research shows its association with promoting weight loss.
Adequate Vitamin D levels help you . . .
1. Eat less and feel more satisfied Vitamin D levels are linked to leptin, the hormone that tells the brain you are full so stop eating.
2. Store less fat Vitamin D slows the body’s cells’ storage of fat. With High Vitamin D, less parathyroid (PTH) and calcitrol hormone are produced. These hormones promote the body’s fat storage.
3. Lose belly fat Studies at the Univeristy of Minnesta and Laval showed that vitamin D triggers fat loss primarily around the belly.
4. Lose weight and help your heart Studies show that vitamin D is linked to higher weight loss and decreasing cardiovascular risk factors such as serum triglycerides.
Sources of Vitamin D
A. Be outdoors on sunny days Note however, that sunscreen, air pollution and season affect the amount of Vitamin D your body will create a form of Vitamin D that lasts twice as long in your bloodstream than vitamin D derived form supplements or food. Also, be careful to limit sun exposure in order the minimize risk of skin cancer and skin signs of premature aging.
B. Supplements There is a lot of controversy concerning this. Some North American medical institutes recommend 600 IU per day. However, there is growing evidence that 1000 – 2000 IU is optimal for most adults in northern climates. For those who are overweight, some studies indicate
that 2000 – 4000 IU is needed, since with obesity, more Vitamin D is trapped and less goes into the bloodstream.
Vitamin D supplements are not a substitute for dietary sources, since foods often contain complementary nutrients, such as calcium and omega – 3 fatty acids that contribute to weight loss.
C. Dietary sources
a. fatty fish such as salmon and mackeral They also contain Omega – 3 which works together with Vitamin D to promote weight loss and inhibit cancer cell growth. Wild salmon can contain up to 4 times more Vitamin D than farmed salmon.
b. fortified Dairy products :contain vitamin D, calcium and leucine which all promote fat burning and muscle growth.
c. omega – 3 fortified eggs contain omega – 3 fatty acid and vitamin D work together to facilitate weight loss.
modified from Men’s Health magazine September 2011
