The Terrific Two – Vitamin D and Zinc

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.

 

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