Parents have always encouraged their kids to go outside and play, and this is especially true for today’s world full of computer devices, smart phones, video games and countless other gadgets. It’s far too easy to sit inside a nice cozy house and get lost in the newest episode of the latest hit show or surf the net for hours on end, but this could actually be more harmful than believed. The lack of Vitamin D (something we get naturally from the sun) can potentially be harmful. So what can we do if we do not want to frolic in the sun? The answer: take Vitamin D supplements.
In a recent study by the University of Kentucky, researchers discovered that Vitamin D is important for maintaining a healthy brain. The study was performed on rats, but the results are still relevant to human counterparts. Rats with lower levels of Vitamin D struggled with cognitive functions like learning and memory. If rats have a hard time retaining and recalling new information, we could be in trouble since we have so many distractions. Vitamin D is also important to help fight depression and maintain bone health. In addition, low levels of Vitamin D are associated with Alzheimer’s disease and certain cancers and heart issues.
So maybe our parents were right in encouraging us to go outside and get some sun, but if we can’t find the time, Vitamin D supplements also work. Either way, make sure your diet is sufficient in Vitamin D to help avoid potential health problems.