Sunshine inside: Why is vitamin D so important for body & mind

Do you know what the best thing about sunny days is? Not only does the sun lift our mood, but it also helps our bodies produce the all-important vitamin D. But what exactly does vitamin D do in our bodies and how can we make sure we get enough of it? Read on to find out more.
Why is vitamin D important?

Vitamin D plays a crucial role in our health. Not only is it important for the absorption of calcium and strengthening our bones, but it also has many other positive effects on our body and mind.
Studies have shown that vitamin D has a significant impact on our immune system. It supports the formation of antimicrobial peptides that help fight off pathogens. A sufficient supply of vitamin D can therefore help prevent colds, flu and other infections or mitigate their course.
In addition, vitamin D also has a positive effect on our mood and psychological well-being. A study published in the Journal of Internal Medicine found that people with low vitamin D levels have a higher risk of depression. Vitamin D affects the production of serotonin, the so-called "happiness hormone", in the brain and can therefore help to improve our mood and alleviate depressive symptoms.

How do we get enough vitamin D?
The best source of vitamin D is, of course, sunlight. When the sun's rays hit our skin, our body starts producing vitamin D. It is recommended to spend about 10-30 minutes outdoors every day to produce enough vitamin D. However, getting enough sunlight can be difficult, especially during the winter months. In this case, supplements can be a good option.
It is also important to make sure we eat enough foods rich in vitamin D. These include fish such as salmon, mackerel and tuna, eggs, dairy products and fortified foods such as breakfast cereals and juices.

Conclusion:
Vitamin D is an essential vitamin that plays an important role in our physical and mental health. It not only supports the health of our bones, but also our immune system, skin health and mood. So don't forget to get some sunshine every day or reach for supplements and vitamin-rich foods to make sure your body is getting enough vitamin D!