How can Vitamin D become a hidden aid to happy weight loss?

The Forgotten Happiness Hormone

Vitamin D is one of the key factors in creating a good mood. In fact, vitamin D is not just a fat-soluble vitamin, but also a fat-soluble steroid hormone. Low vitamin D levels in the body can trigger depression and even chronic fatigue.

As early as 2008, a study on the effects of vitamin D on depression in obese individuals found that subjects who took vitamin D weekly experienced varying degrees of improvement in their depression. This is because sufficient vitamin D helps regulate the enzymes necessary for the production of dopamine, adrenaline, and noradrenaline. These are key hormones that play a role in mood and stress management, as well as the body's energy supply. People suffering from depression can see improvement in their condition simply by supplementing with vitamin D.

Furthermore, vitamin D can increase serotonin, helping to improve sleep, and improved sleep quality helps reduce appetite. At the same time, vitamin D can also reduce the formation of new fat cells in the body, aiding in weight loss. Additionally, the absorption of calcium supplements depends on whether the body has sufficient vitamin D.

The most effective way to supplement vitamin D is through sunlight. 90% of the vitamin D in the human body is synthesized from subcutaneous fat by ultraviolet rays from sunlight. Therefore, vitamin D is also known as the "cheapest vitamin." In the cold, long winters of Scandinavia, lack of sun exposure is a major cause of the high incidence of depression among Scandinavians.

Many women are afraid of sun exposure and use various sun protection methods, but this is actually a very bad habit. In fact, basking in the sun in the gentler mornings or evenings is key to a good mood. Note that applying sunscreen before sunbathing does not prevent the body from effectively producing vitamin D.

Besides sun exposure, we can also supplement our vitamin D intake through diet. Foods such as lard, egg yolks, salmon, halibut, and trout are good sources of vitamin D.

Alternatively, we can supplement with vitamin D supplements. Because vitamin D is a fat-soluble vitamin, it is best consumed with a diet rich in fat to maximize the body's absorption of vitamin D.