The Benefits of Vitamin D

Vitamin D has been getting lots of press attention recently and new research is being conducted all the time with very positive findings that suggest this may not simply the latest nutritional hype.  Several medics and researchers believe that deficiency is a key factor in today's most prevalent chronic diseases.

Vitamin D is a fat soluble vitamin which is available in 5 different forms but you are most likely to hear about D2 and D3.  Vitamin D2 is derived from plants and is thought to be the most bioavailable form.  Vitamin D3 is derived from animal products and is present in foods such as oily fish, liver, eggs, butter and fortified products.  

Because we can synthesise vitamin D3 in our skin from contact with sunlight, it is especially important that we get outside.  A prescription of lovely foreign holiday springs to most peoples minds - but if that is not feasible then even a bright day in the UK is worth getting out in. Aim for 15 minutes without sun protection factor each day when the sun does decide to show its rays (although spring and summer sun in colder climates is only likely to be warm enough to be sufficient so a holiday is still a fab idea - and what a perfect excuse!).

So,  what are the top 5 reasons to keep on top of your vitamin D intake...?

1. Bone Health

2. Mood Enhancer (particularly with SAD)

3. Reducing the Risk of Cancer

4. Immune Health

5. Cardiovascular Disease


So, if you think you may be deficient after a long winter then consider a supplement to give you a boost and consider taking one at the onset of winter to get you through the darkest days.

Happy Sun Hunting!

Josie

Changing with the Seasons - My Top Lifestyle TIps?

Although the end of summer brings a fear of dread into most, it is definately one of my favourite times of year.  The sun still shines high in the sky but as it sits slightly lower, the afternoon  light does magical things to nature as it dapples through the trees.

Although summer may feel as though it is drawing to a close, in the UK we have blackberries  hanging off the bushes in handfulls and a light cardigan is still enough to keep us warm when the sun is out.  September is a magical time as we realise that there is still a lot of warmth to enjoy and those who are brave enough can dip into the sea for a final soak (I must admit I have not done that since I have moved back from Thailands warmer waters!) but it is possible...which is the main thing to bear in mind! ;)

So, when it comes to diet and lifestyle, here are my top tips as we leave summer behind...

1. Squirell away the summer berries! Top up on summer berries and fill your body with vitamin C.  As vitamin C is water soluble it passes out the body within a few hours, so stocking up your freezer with fresh summer fruit is a great way to ensure the colder months are also full of local fruit.

2. Long Walks. This is a lovely time of year to connect to nature.  As the weather changes so do our own lives and we can reflect on what the more active months have brought us and decide on what we like to leave behind in this new phase.  A walk in nature is an ideal place to make these subtle changes.

3. Multivitamin and Superfoods.  The change of seasons does take its toll on the body so it is an important time to make sure you are supported nutritionally.  Ideally you should start enriching your diet with lots of extra raw salads, hearty soups and fresh fruit.  When time is short a good superfood powder or multivitamin will fill in the gaps.

Love the Seasons as each one brings its own magical changes.

Josie.