Obesity is an emerging problem these days. It is a major health threat across the world. It is a condition wherein there is excess fat accumulation. This obesity is measured in the form of a body mass index that is BMI. Higher the BMI, greater is the risk of associated diseases like type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, osteoarthritis, obstructive sleep apnea, etc. However, this problem can be controlled by eating healthy food, including physical activities, exercise etc. Ever thought that even vitamin intake can reduce this problem? The answer to this is “yes”. Vitamin C and D play a crucial role in controlling obesity. Let us see how.
- Vitamin C: Due to unbalanced oxidative stress people are affected by various diseases as mentioned above. To fight this, taking antioxidants aids in reducing obesity. Vitamin C has antioxidant properties. It helps you to speed up your metabolism rate of fats which in turn helps you to reduce body fat. According to a recent study it was seen that people who are deficient in vitamin C have a hard time losing their excess fat. Individuals taking an adequate dosage of this vitamin were able to oxidize thirty percent more fat when combined with moderate physical activity. Abdominal fat is responsible for high-risk diseases. This vitamin plays a key role in controlling stress by bringing stress hormone cortisol to the normal level. This, in turn, ends up in storing less fat in the abdominal region. Only taking a high dosage of vitamin C would not do the magic. It is equally important that your calorie intake is balanced with proper exercise.
Sources: Cabbage, broccoli, plums, potatoes, tomatoes, green leafy vegetables, or vitamin C supplements.
- Vitamin D: Vitamin D plays an important role in reducing your excess fat, especially the area above your belt that is belly fat. The individuals with large waistlines were found to be deficient in vitamin D. Recent studies indicate that individuals with BMI higher than thirty had the lower level of vitamin D. The special receptors for this vitamin give a sign whether the fat should be burnt or stored. In case there is deficiency then the body increases the number as well as the size of cells that form fat. This eventually leads to an increase in obesity of the abdomen. Calcium deficiency is mostly linked to vitamin D deficiency. This, in turn, results in an increased level of production of synthase. This is the fatty acid enzyme that gets converted into fats. Vitamin D is vital for the shrinking of fat cells. This clearly indicates that vitamin D will help to lose weight and burn your belly fat.
Sources: Egg yolks, salmons, mushrooms, soy milk, cheese, beef liver, fatty fish, dairy products, cod liver oil, or vitamin D supplements.
Now that you are aware make sure you include sources that are rich in vitamin C and D. If you find your diet is not sufficient, take help of your physician to know the exact dosage of the supplement you require to stay fit and healthy.