The Terrific Two – Vitamin D and Zinc

June 20 09:00 2018 by admin Print This Article

Our body needs a number of nutrients to keep it healthy. Let’s take a look at how Vitamin D and Zinc help us and what we should be eating to ensure that our body receives a good supply if these two important nutrients.

Vitamin D – Benefits

Vitamin D is often called the sunshine vitamin as it is produced by our body in response to sunlight. It has many benefits that include:-

• Strengthens bones and teeth
• Boosts immune system
• Regulates insulin
• Helps in managing diabetes
• Supports lung function
• Keeps the heart healthy
• Protects against diseases like cancer, multiple sclerosis etc
• Regulates calcium and phosphorous levels

Sources of Vitamin D

Sunlight is the most common and effective source of Vitamin D. It is recommended that people have some sun exposure on a daily basis. With our air conditioned and sheltered lifestyles, sun exposure for human beings has decreased. But, you can get your supply of Vitamin D in other forms like:-

• Fish oil
• Fatty fish like salmons and sardines
• Some varieties of mushrooms
• Egg yolks
• Milk
• Yoghurt
• Cereals
• Oatmeal
• Cheese

Health benefits of zinc

Zinc is a lesser known mineral that our body needs to stay healthy. Some of the reasons that zinc is important to our health are:-

• It boosts the immune system
• Helps fight the common cold
• Has an antiviral effect
• Prevents build up of bacteria in mucus passages
• Is a powerful antioxidant
• Decreases risk of cancer
• Prevents hormone imbalances
• Helps in regulating insulin production
• Is good for heart health
• Reduces digestive problems
• Helps muscle growth and repair

Food sources high in zinc include:-

• Lamb
• Chicken
• Channa
• Cashewnuts
• Pumpkin seeds
• Yoghurt
• Eggs
• Salmon
• Mushrooms

As you can see, many of the foodstuffs that are high in Vitamin D are high in zinc too. Though the “Incredible Two” don’t interact directly, they have complementary effects on several organs in your body.

Kauvery Hospital is globally known for its multidisciplinary services at all its Centers of Excellence, and for its comprehensive, Avant-Grade technology, especially in diagnostics and remedial care in heart diseases, transplantation, vascular and neurosciences medicine. Located in the heart of Trichy (Tennur, Royal Road and Alexandria Road (Cantonment), Chennai, Hosur, Salem, Tirunelveli and Bengaluru, the hospital also renders adult and pediatric trauma care.

Chennai – 044 4000 6000 • Trichy – Cantonment – 0431 4077777 • Trichy – Heartcity – 0431 4003500 • Trichy – Tennur – 0431 4022555 • Hosur – 04344 272727 • Salem – 0427 2677777 • Tirunelveli – 0462 4006000 • Bengaluru – 080 6801 6801