–Obesity and Metabolic Health:
Here is some lesser known tea for you! Research has shown that individuals with obesity tend to have lower Vitamin D levels compared to those with normal weight.
One thought behind this finding is that Vitamin D is fat-soluble, meaning it dissolves in fat, so its thought that in individuals with an increased amount of fat cells, Vitamin D is getting stored within this fatty adipose tissue leading to lower circulating levels within other parts of the body.
Now get this even more interesting tea! There are some studies that have shown that Low Vitamin D levels may also CONTRIBUTE to the development of obesity. Vitamin D plays a role in regulating the storage and breakdown of fat in the body. When Vitamin D levels are insufficient, it can disrupt these processes, potentially leading to weight gain and obesity.
One note here though is that there is more work to be done in the field of Obesity Medicine and particularly regarding the link of Vitamin D deficiency and Obesity. The research here is not totally clear on the causes. However, just keep in mind that vitamin D deficiency is a known occurrence in Obesity even if the evidence is unclear on the why.
Also, as it relates to Obesity and Metabolic Health, there is a connection between Vitamin D and insulin resistance, a hallmark of type 2 diabetes and metabolic syndrome. Insulin resistance occurs when cells in the body become less responsive to insulin, leading to elevated blood sugar levels.
Many studies have looked at the role of vitamin D in diabetes and have shown an association between low levels of vitamin D and an increased risk for type 2 diabetes and its complications. Studies have shown that supplementing Vitamin D in those found to have low levels may help to improve one’s fasting glucose level, reduce one’s hemoglobin A1c level, and their Insulin Resistance score. Research is showing that Vitamin D may help improve insulin sensitivity helping the pancreas to stimulate insulin release, enhancing the work of our insulin receptors and helping our cells to utilize glucose more efficiently.
The Essence of Health is in You!