The recent news stating that sunbathers live longer than those who avoid the sun is not an excuse to catch some rays unprotected. UV radiation still comes with a serious cancer risk. (Just check out the warning from Wolverine below) Thankfully, you don't have to rely on the sun for your vitamin D fix. In a study, higher levels of vitamin D were synonymous with faster weight loss – particularly around your stomach Our advice: opt for the bottle rather than lengthy stays in the sun chair. It’ll fortify your frame You’re never going to drive your 5-a-side team to victory if you shy away from 50-50 tackles. Luckily, Vitamin D calcium-clads your bones to boost their strength and help fight fractures. According to research by the St. George Hospital, Sydney, a 2000IU dose [check the label] boosts parathyroid hormone, which regulates your body’s calcium levels and reduces your injury risk when training or playing sport. Still not convinced, Mr Glass? Try this three-move workout to build invincible bones in 20 minutes.
You’ll get a total T-boost You might have heard about the benefits of “juicing” down the gym – and we’re not talking about cold presses. True, testosterone is a wonder hormone that ramps up your muscle-building potential, speeds fat-loss and boosts fertility. However, dodgy locker room deals aren’t necessary. Research conducted by the Medical University of Graz found total testosterone levels increased in men who supplemented Vitamin D over the course of a year. Add these testosterone-boosting foods to your shopping list and compound Vit D’s effects to become slimmer, stronger and better in bed. It’ll protect your heart With 160,000 people succumbing to heart disease in the UK last year, CVD is something you need to take very seriously. But step up your supplementation and your outlook will become altogether more sunny – even if it’s raining. Harvard University research discovered a direct link between vitamin D and a reduced risk of coronary issues.
Pop a pill and use these 8 simple heart-helping tips to keep you ticker trim. You’ll fast-track your fat loss No matter how often you switch up your circuits or revamp your diet plan, keeping your weight loss ticking over can be tough. However, add an extra ray of sun to your supplements and fat-loss is made easy. According to a study conducted by the University of Minnesota, higher levels of vitamin D were synonymous with faster weight loss – particularly around your stomach. That means fitting into old jeans and seeing an ab (or six) emerge. If your six-pack resembles more of a keg, use this 15-minute complete core circuit to carve out something more impressive when it comes to the big reveal. It’ll keep you safe from cancer Cancer of all types was last year’s biggest killer of British men, according to the Office of National Statistics. It’s scary stuff, but with extra Vitamin D you can reduce your risk of falling foul. Northwestern University found a dose as low as 600IU per day cuts your chances of developing pancreatic cancer, and the University of California San Diego discovered D cuts your colon cancer risk by 50%.
For even more protection, make sure you avoid these 7 surprising causes of cancer to safeguard yourself against future health scares. SIGN UP TO RECEIVE MEN'S HEALTH NEWSLETTERS Our daily email delivers everything you need to improve your life, every weekday morning at 8am We sift through all the day's new research and studies to provide all – and only – what you need to know Workouts and recipes from the best trainers and nutritionists in the world Fitness challenges, culture picks, quizzes and everything else you need to make the most of your downtime Enter your email address: Please tick if you would prefer not to receive news & special offers from Hearst Magazines UK. Please tick if you would like to receive news & special offers from selected partners of Hearst Magazines UK Please tick if you would also like to receive the Men's Health Newsletter Please tick if you would also like to receive the Men's Health Style Newsletter By clicking 'Sign up' you agree to our Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy.
To complete the sign up process, please click on the link in the email we just sent to . Can't find the email? Please give it 5 - 10 minutes or check your spam folder Username or email address *Men need various vitamins to maintain a healthy lifestyle. Vitamin D is referred to as the sunshine vitamin because the human body converts sunlight into vitamin D when the rays encounter the skin. It is a dietary supplement found in many foods such as, fish, eggs, fortified milk, cod liver oil, and as a supplement. Vitamin D is beneficial to everyone's health; however, there are specific benefits that apply to men. Improved Mental Ability According to the Men’s Fitness, vitamin D can improve a man's brain function. Age affects the cognitive function of the brain negatively in men, which researchers have linked to vitamin D deficiency. According to research, the hippocampus and cerebellum, which are the parts of the brain in charge of planning, processing and forming new memories, include traces of vitamin D, which are important for their functioning.
Weight Loss The "American Journal of Clinical Nutrition" says that consuming vitamin D can help men lose abdominal fat and prevent weight gain. A high vitamin D intake increases the leptin levels, a hormone that alerts the body to stop eating. Research also links vitamin D deficiency to insulin resistance, which leads to excess hunger increasing the need to overeat. Boosts Reproduction Function According to Medical News Today, vitamin D helps in boosting men’s sex drive. An increase in vitamin D in the body directly increases the testosterone levels. A higher testosterone level increases masculinity and affects the sex drive positively. Reproduction online also supports this by stating that vitamin D plays a major role in developing mature and functioning spermatozoa in males. Hair Growth Men have a tendency to lose hair as they grow old, commonly referred to as balding. According to the Hair Loss Research, vitamin D plays an important role in preventing this hair loss by maintaining a healthy hair follicle, which ensures the hair remains healthy and strong.