Like plants, human beings actually NEED sunlight to sustain life. We are interconnected to the earth, oxygen and yes, the UV light from the sun. Without Sunlight, life would not exist.
It’s actually critical we get an adequate amount of sunlight to maintain our bodies physiological functions optimally. Here’s some amazing human health benefits from getting natural sunlight exposure.
Production of Vitamin D
UVB rays from the sun interact with the 7-DHC protein in human skin to produce vitamin D3. Vitamin D3 supports Bone health, manages calcium levels, reduces inflammation and supports your immune system. We also ingest vitamin D through foods and supplements (fish, beef, liver, egg yolks and dairy). But getting a small portion from sunshine has been humanities source for hundreds of thousands of years. Scientist agree between 5-30 minutes per day of sun exposure is good without causing health problems. More than 30 minutes is recommended to use sunscreen.
Strengthens the Immune System.
A Georgetown University’s study in 2016 found that sunlight (through a mechanism separate then just Vitamin D production alone) energizes T-cells. T-Cells are like the infection fighter cells that help ward off infection and illness. Thus sunlight actually boosts our natural immunity, outside of vitamin and nutrition alone.
Improves Sleep
Research has shown that 1 hour of natural light in the morning will actually help you sleep better. Sunshine helps to regulate your circadian rhythm and this affects your melatonin levels. If your getting regular exposure to daylight, your production of melatonin is more regulated and the body will produce the correct amount at the right time (helping you fall asleep easier).
Improves Mood
Scientist at BYU (Brigham Young University) had a team of Physiologist with specialist in Statistics and physics analyze a large sum of data and patients to determine how the weather patterns effect mood. They found clients with less hours exposed to sun were more vulnerable to emotional distress. Meanwhile those who had more sun exposure had higher levels of Serotonin which better deals with Seasonal affective disorder (SAD), anxiety, depression and especially when combined with other treatments.
Lower Blood Pressure
Your body releases a compound called nitric oxide into your blood, when sunlight is exposed to your skin. When this compound is released into your blood vessels, it helps to lower blood pressure levels. Lower blood pressure reduces the risk of a heart attack and stroke. Who knew a simple 30 min outside walk per day could be helping you in so many ways!
Reduce the risk in some Cancers
There have been a number of studies that show sun exposure can lower risks of certain types of cancers such as colorectal, prostate, breast cancer, and non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma.
Weight Maintenance
There was a recent study that showed people who were exposed to sunlight early in the day are more likely to have a lower body mass index than those who don’t. Light exposure influences sleep and your circadian rhythm. Both of these have an influence on weight regulation in the human body. So a little sunlight with your morning coffee can go a long way in a lot of areas.
Unfortunately, the attitude towards the sun being “the bad guy” has somewhat permeated into modern day culture. And yes, continued over exposure to UV rays can contribute to causing skin cancer. Not to mention cause incredibly painful & dangerous sunburns. I’ve personally had a sunburn so bad I blistered once as a child. But that doesn’t mean you should avoid the sun completely or be scared of it! Humans have thrived in extremely sunny humid and arid parts of the world for hundred of thousands of years.
I think finding the balance of a safe and smart approach to sun exposure and skin care is critical. Wearing clothes that provide coverage like hats, sunglasses, long-sleeves and using sunscreen can all help keep you protected. Especially if your career is outdoors (gardener, fisherman, boat crew, lifeguard, archeologist, mail man, etc.) and you live in a very sunny climate. It’s a great ideal to wear long sleeves, hats and sun screen daily for additional protection. I don’t think people should fear taking a 30 minute walk outside or sitting in a park for lunch if it’s sunny out. Just be smart and safe!
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