Benefits of Training in the Sun!
Hi all!
I figured this topic is appropriate since the summer is rapidly approaching and we all want our beach bodies!
I understand that with the summer approaching we also wind up with increasing temperatures and direct sunlight. BUT that’s not all bad and that is what today’s blog post is about, so lets get started!
We all know that we need Vitamin D and it is important, but for most of us that’s as far as our knowledge extends, so what else?
Vitamin D
Vitamin D is one of two vitamins the body makes on its own. The liver, kidneys, cells and other parts of the body are involved in a conversion process, converting two forms of Vitamin D in the active, useable form 25-Dihydroxyvitamin D, a steroid hormone. Any remaining Vitamin D gets stored in our fatty tissue for future use (another important use of fat!)
Vitamin D2 (ergocalciferol) is found in plants and can only enter our body through the foods we consume. The main one we have all heard of is Vitamin D3, which is derived from the sun, animal products or supplementation. According to Michael F. Holick, The director of Vitamin D, Skin and Bone Research Laboratory at Boston University, approximately half of all Americans are chronically deprived of Vitamin D.
37th Parallel - Vitamin D deficiency line
Northern climates in the USA are more at risk of vitamin D deficiency due to the weakness of the sun for approximately half the year. But the reality of it is, even in the sunny Southern California, most people do not spend enough time outside in the sun to get enough Vitamin D. In addition, relatively few foods provide vitamin D.
Benefits of Vitamin D
Immune Defense - Vitamin D boost the activity of cells that fight bacteria and viruses all year. This is in part why the in the winter months, we experience more colds, flu and respiratory problems as there is less sunlight available to us.
Improve bone strength - calcium requires vitamin D in order to build stronger bones. Vitamin D helps regulate calcium’s absorption from food and supplements.
Other benefits
Reduce Risk of Type 2 Diabetes
Prevents Vitamin D Deficiency
Reduces Cancer Risk
Lower Blood Pressure
Improves Your Mood
Improves Sleep
Weight Loss
Manages Alzheimer’s Symptoms
Heals Skin Disorders
Promotes Eye Health
Can Cure Depression
Improves Brain Function
Manages Seasonal Affective Disorder
How is Vitamin D relevant in Sport Performance?