Vitamin D is a key nutrient that is produced naturally in your skin when you are exposed to sunlight. That’s why it’s often referred to as the “sunshine vitamin.” However, you can also consume it from certain foods – like cereals, as well as from health supplements and multivitamins. In addition to helping your body absorb calcium – which is needed to support strong, healthy bones – Vitamin D also offers some very important health benefits that you might not realize!

1. Helps Prevent Diseases

In addition to supporting a healthy immune system, Vitamin D can actually reduce your chances of getting some serious diseases. According to a 2008 study from the National Institutes of Health, Vitamin D was found to reduce the risk of developing heart disease. In fact, many heart attack victims were found to have a Vitamin D deficiency. One reason for the deficiency is that many people don’t spend that much time outside in the sun. Vitamin D was also found to reduce your chances of getting the flu and other respiratory illnesses in a 2010 study by the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition. Therefore, you want to make sure that you are getting plenty of Vitamin D during cold and flu season. It can also help reduce inflammation.

2. Reduces Anxiety and Depression

There’s a reason why spending time outside in the sunshine can make you feel happy. Researchers from the National Institutes of Health found that people suffering from depression and anxiety saw improvements in their symptoms after being given Vitamin D supplements. The researchers concluded that Vitamin D deficiencies can be a factor in making people feel more depressed and anxious. Therefore, if you have been struggling with depression, you might want to talk to your doctor about a possible Vitamin D deficiency.

3. Helps You Lose Weight

Vitamin D can also help people with their weight loss goals. A 2014 study by the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition found that participants with higher blood levels of Vitamin D were able to lose more weight and body fat than participants with lower levels of the vitamin. According to the National Institutes of Health, Vitamin D deficiencies tend to be more prevalent for those who are obese. Therefore, taking a Vitamin D supplement can play a big role in helping you maintain a healthy weight

In short, your body needs Vitamin D to help you stay healthy and happy. That’s because a  Vitamin D deficiency raises your risks factors for things like heart disease, the flu, depression, and even obesity. Therefore, go outside and enjoy some sunshine whenever you get the chance. Also, consider taking a multivitamin to ensure that you are getting enough Vitamin D each day.