At this time of year you're probably looking for weight loss tips, or soon will be. After a few more shortbreads, cookies, chips, candies, etc. A plant-based diet can help you shed extra pounds, despite a high caloric and fat intake. Many plant extracts have shown to improve insulin resistance, cholesterol profiles ,and hyperglycemia in animals and humans.
This post will focus on vitamin D for weight loss because we should be taking it at this time of year (in the Northern hemisphere). Most D3 comes from animal sources, but vegans can also get it from lichen, or they can also take D2.
Adipose tissue (fat cells) is where humans store excess vitamin D. Obesity is associated with low vitamin D levels. Weight loss (and the browning of white adipose tissue) can boost vitamin D levels in obese people, and increasing vitamin D intake can aid weight loss, it goes both ways. Supplementation also reduces inflammation which is highly associated with obesity and other disease.
50,000 IU/week of Vitamin D
The magic number for weight loss and improvement of blood sugar control and lipid profile seems to be about 50,000/week*
*Vitamin D deficiency is a huge problem in North America, but there is too much of a good thing. Too much vitamin D causes hypercalcemia and is very bad for your kidneys. High doses of vitamin D should be carefully researched and have your blood levels monitored by your doctor.
50,000IU/week for 12 weeks in obese women
50,000 IU for 6 weeks in obese women
50,000IU/week for 12 weeks in obese patients.
Some information on dosing guidelines can be found here to start your research.
Oh what a great tip after heavy eating during this holiday season.
Yeah. I'm feeling really salty, greasy, bloated and a little laden down lol.