Health Benefits of Sunlight: Health Trends
Health Benefits of Sunlight: Just for a moment, forget what you have heard about sunshine, skin cancer and harmful ultra-violet radiation. Spring has arrived and before we know it summer will be here. That means hotter and sunnier days are on their way.
When natural sunlight hits the skin it triggers the body’s production of vitamin D. Vitamin D is also known as “the sunshine vitamin.” It is a crucial ingredient for overall health; protects against inflammation, lowers high blood pressure, helps muscles, improves brain function and may even protect against cancer.
Low levels of vitamin D can cause heart disease, prostate cancer and dementia.
Your body is meant to be in the sun, and exposure to sunlight during the day is crucial to your wellbeing. It is advised to get at least 10-15 minutes of sunlight daily.
Boost Immunity:
Sunlight has been used for decades for the treatment of autoimmune diseases like psoriasis. When white blood cells are exposed to sunlight it may play an integral role in fighting diseases an infections. All that you need to do is simple. Once you get up in the morning, you need to stand in the sun for a maximum of 15 minutes and this will boost your immunity and keep you energised.
Lower Blood Pressure:
One of the most common disease that most people face is high blood pressure. There are many foods that can prevent you from blood pressure, but sunbathing for a minimum of 15 minutes every day can benefit you in multiple ways possible. There have been studies that have shown that nitric oxide that is found on the top layer of your skin comes in contact with sunlight and causes your blood vessels to widen. This allows the oxide to move into your bloodstream, thus lowering your blood pressure.
Also read: Best ways to boost your immune system naturally
Aids in Good Sleep:
Research suggests that morning sunlight exposure is linked to better sleep and health. Getting less morning light could make it more difficult for you to fall asleep and wake up at your preferred times.
Weight Loss:
Well, you must be wondering how does standing in the sun cause weight loss. There have been studies that show that weight loss happens when hunger is curbed due to a feeling of fullness. However, exposure to sunlight will help you burn more calories and play outdoor games. The more you sweat during the summer the more your craving increases. You may have the appetite of eating a lot during summer, but you will eventually begin exercising a lot and this is a way to exercise and lose weight.
Improves Bone Health:
As we know, vitamin D nourishes our body. But what many of us don’t know it that vitamin D actually helps our body better absorb calcium. This results in strong, healthy bones.
Fights Depression:
Exposure to sunlight has been linked to increased levels of a natural antidepressant in the brain. The brain produces more serotonin on sunny days than darker days. Therefore, individuals experiencing depression may feel less symptoms if they spend time in the sun.
Improves Brain Function:
Sunbathing helps boost your brain function by making the brain produce more serotonin which is a chemical that can lift your mood. Most often, people forget about standing in the early morning sun for about 15 minutes every day and this causes a condition called seasonal affective disorder (SAD). This is usually found among those who are indoors for long periods of time. Lesser amounts of sunlight can result in depression and the best way to over such a thing is by just standing in the sun for a minimum of 15 minutes daily.