Vitamin D

I chose to go on a Raw Vegan diet for health reasons. There are a great deal of health benefits to eating, raw fruits, veggies, nuts, seeds, legumes, etc.... For example, it can greatly reduce your chances of getting many diseases (cancer, heart disease, diabetes, etc....).

Another important factor of eating healthy, is adequate sunshine, and exercise. I am amazed at how many people think they are being as healthy as possible, but don't get enough sun (sensible amount), or exercise.

Sunshine is very important because your skin needs the UV rays (ultraviolet B radiation) to produce Vitamin D. The Vitamin D is then activated by the liver and kidneys. Without the right amount of Vitamin D, your body cannot absorb calcium. Vitamin D Deficiency, and Calcium Deficiency are also major factors in common diseases. For instance, Vitamin D Deficiency can increase your chances of prostate, or breast cancer by 50%, as well as other diseases.

By the way, sunscreen contributes to Vitamin D Deficiencies by it blocking the rays the skin needs to produce Vitamin D. However, too much sun exposure can also cause issues. For a typical Caucasian, in the US, you will likely need 5-30 minutes of exposure (arms, legs, and face) several times each week to produce enough Vitamin D for your body. For a typical African American, in the US, you will need a bit more; 30-60 minutes several times each week.

The complexion of your skin makes a big difference. Your location on the planet also makes a big difference. The further from the equator, the more exposure you will need. Also, you cannot absorb an adequate amount of Vitamin D from your food; you must get sunlight on your skin without sunscreen.

By definition, Vitamin D is actually a prohormone, which is converted to a hormone, 125D.

I am currently working on several presentations, and will be posting my slides. I will also try to record the lecture and post it as well.