When it comes to the benefits of vitamin D, the good news keeps rolling in. Research from the University of Copenhagen shows that low vitamin D levels can have implications on the health of your heart.

The researchers discovered that individuals who do not get enough vitamin D in their daily diets may be at an increased risk of developing ischemic heart disease, a condition leading to devastating heart-related ailments such as heart attack, coronary arteriosclerosis and angina.

The research shows that low levels of vitamin D compared to optimal levels are linked to 40 percent higher risk of ischemic heart conditions. They noted a 64 percent increase in risk of heart attack, a 57 percent higher risk of early death and at least an 81 percent higher chance of dying from heart disease.

The researchers still have more to learn about the association between low levels of vitamin D and increased risk of heart disease, but they contend that the best way to get heart healthy vitamin D in your body is easy and completely free.

“The cheapest and easiest way to get enough vitamin D is to let the sun shine on your skin at regular intervals. There is plenty of evidence that sunshine is good, but it is also important to avoid getting sunburned, which increases the risk of skin cancer. Diet with a good supply of vitamin D is also good, but it has not been proven that vitamin D as a dietary supplement prevents heart disease and death,” says Børge Nordestgaard , clinical professor at the Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen and senior physician at Copenhagen University Hospital.