HOW WELL DO YOU KNOW THE SUNSHINE VITAMIN?

Vitamin D is indispensable for your body, whether you realize it or not. From proper functioning of your bones to help you overcome your Monday blues, the sunshine vitamin plays a major role in your overall physical and mental health. It can be synthesized in the skin upon exposure to UV-B radiation from the sun, hence the name 'the sunshine vitamin.'

• Did you know, vitamin D is not a vitamin but a hormone?

• Half of the population on Earth is vitamin D deficient.

• It plays a key role in most of your body's physiological functions.

• When the active form of the vitamin binds to its receptors in the brain and other immune cells, it regulates the expression of genes.

• Vitamin D insufficiency can lead to bone abnormalities.

• It acts as an immune system regulator. If you are deficient in Vitamin D, then you are at least 3 to 4 times likely to catch a cold.

• It also plays a key role in regulating your mood and shoves off depression.

• It is found to improve overall heart health and normal structural brain development.

• Due to its lasting satiety effect, it aids in weight control as well.

• It can help support overall oral health.

• Have a young champ at home? Don't forget his/her vitamin D supplement, as it helps strengthen your kiddo's bones and muscles. Or just give him his time to run around in the sun.

Not a sun lover? U can include fatty fish (salmon, sardines, tuna) egg yolk, or vitamin D fortified milk in your diet. Though it is an underrated nutrient, it has a vital role in the overall body function mechanism!

A little fat in your dishes imparts that yumminess and improves the goodness quotient as well. These delicious facilitators help in the resorption of this fat-soluble vitamin. Hence, you can toss your veggies in some of Milky Mist's butter/ghee and take your food bowls to a whole new level!