We are all told about the benefits of a little natural sunlight each day – it provides our bodies with it’s daily dose of vitamin D, which helps the body absorb calcium for healthy teeth and bones. But now studies show that there is even more reasons to get out of the house – scientists suggest that a deficiency in vitamin D can increase the risk of type 1 diabetes. The Harvard School of Public Health, or HSPH, conducted a study which highlighted that having an adequate level of vitamin D during early adulthood can reduce the risk of type 1 diabetes in later life by as much as 50 percent.
It’s important to note that vitamin D is not created naturally by the body, unlike many other nutrients that we get from external sources, so we need to get our recommended intake from other places. As well as sunlight, you can get vitamin D from certain foods such as fortified breakfast cereals or supplements. This new study suggests that taking a supplement in young age could help reduce the risk of diabetes in adulthood. You can determine your vitamin D levels through a blood test, which offers the most accurate assessment of your body’s sources of this vital nutrient.
While getting plenty of vitamin D is important, you should do it as safely as possible. Too much sun exposure can lead to skin damage and a higher risk of skin cancer, so try to avoid the sun when it is highest in the sky, as this is when it’s at its strongest. In addition to this, wear plenty of a high factor SPF to protect your skin, wear a hat and sunglasses to protect your face and seek shade where possible to avoid damaging the delicate layers of the skin.
Comments are closed.