Health Benefits of Vitamin D

Fans of ABC's hit television series, Dancing with the Stars, may wonder aloud about famed actor/participant George Hamilton's moves. At age sixty-seven, the ultra-tan star of countless movies and television programs can still cut a rug. At an age when many people are complaining about joint pain, experiencing the agony of arthritis, or carrying a diagnosis of osteoporosis, Hamilton remains spry and graceful. We never see even a slight grimace on his smiling face.

Hamilton may simply be an exception to the usual rules of aging. A low-stress lifestyle and good genetic stock might be responsible for his apparent agelessness. Then again, his most famous attribute might be a factor. Sometimes it seems like George Hamilton's first name is "the perpetually tanned." He's definitely earned that reputation, and those countless hours of absorbing the sun's rays could be why he's still dancing.

That's because the sun does more than darken complexions and increase air conditioning bills. The body performs an interesting trick with sunlight. It can convert the sun's rays into Vitamin D. That one-of-a-kind chemical action then assists the body's absorption of calcium.

As you might expect, improved calcium absorption provides tremendous benefits with respect to joint health and bone strength. Those who create or otherwise obtain enough Vitamin D are far less likely to experience ailments like osteoporosis. Research shows that appropriate Vitamin D intake can decrease back pain and mitigate the symptoms associated with arthritis.

George Hamilton's tan might have a few additional advantages. Experts are giving the "sunshine vitamin" rave reviews for its potential in staving off certain cancers, increasing insulin resistance by stabilizing blood sugar levels, increasing muscle strength and an array of other healthy feats.

Although one can take Vitamin D in pill form, most people just need to catch a few rays!

Credit: n yfe

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