I've known for a while that vitamin D is essential and that one of the best ways to soak it up is to enjoy a bit of time in the sun (but not too much as we all still have to worry about skin cancer). I didn't realize though, until I read this article, just how essential the vitamin really is.

The piece points out that taking vitamin D supplements, along with a bit of sunshine, aids with conditions such as chronic pain and muscle weakness, it strengthens bones and those with deficiencies might even be at a higher risk of dying from diabetes, cancer and heart disease.

Plus, the study discussed in the article, found that taking supplements may increase life expectancy by as much as two years. Not bad for a daily supplement. Those quoted in the article stress that it isn't enough to just garner your daily dose from the sun. Supplements must be taken as well, on a regular basis.