In ancient times sunbathing and sun gazing practices were common among many religions and cultures. Ancient people knew how to use the power of the sun to heal the illnesses and bring about radiant health. Today people are being brainwashed by many skin care brands with ONLY the bad effects of sunlight. Most of them are completely ignoring its important health benefits. Moderate exposure to sunlight is very important for us and it has many relatively unknown and surprising health benefits.
Now is the time to take charge of our health and look at this source of life on earth in a positive way!
How much sun exposure is good for you?
Sun exposure of 10 to 15 minutes early in the morning or late in the evening is enough to get most benefits out of it. Generally, the time between 7 am to 9 am is considered to be good for our health. The level of UV rays is lowest at this time. This time may vary region to region. Mostly it’s the one or two-hour window after sunrise and before sunset.
Following Are The Benefits You Get From Moderate Sun Exposure:
It Makes You Happy! ?
Sunlight boosts levels of serotonin in the body. Serotonin is a body’s natural happy hormone. That’s why we tend to feel happier and more energetic when the sun shines. Regular sun exposure can reduce moderate depression, particularly if combined with exercise, such as a walk in the park. It’s also been shown that exercising outdoors creates more endorphins (Feel-good chemicals) in the body than exercising indoors.
Source Of Vitamin D
The major source of vitamin D for children and adults is the exposure to natural sunlight. Vitamin D is also known as Sunshine Vitamin.
Sunlight stimulates the body to produce vitamin D which gives strength to bones by increasing absorption of calcium in the intestine. Vitamin D also lowers the cholesterol in the blood and helps in heart problems.
Strengthens Immune System
Staying in sunshine enhances the generation of T-cells. T-cells are the type of white blood cells (WBCs) which kill bacteria and viruses inside our body. WBCs also help fight against other toxic compounds in the body and boost our immunity. The Sunlight also increases oxygen-carrying capacity of Red Blood Cells.
Prevents Diabetes
It has been found in a new study (refer links at the bottom) that exposure to sunlight and adequate amount of vitamin D plays a vital role in the prevention diabetes in people. According to some researchers, sunlight also controls blood sugar level.
Helps To Prevent Multiple Sclerosis
Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is a disease of the central nervous system, leading to tremors and even paralysis. The cause is not known but scientists have noted that exposure to sunlight in childhood appears to dramatically reduce the risk of developing this disease in later life. Scientists have also noted that the incidence of MS is lower in sunnier countries.
Helps To Treat Skin Conditions
Exposure to the sun can help to heal skin conditions such as psoriasis, acne, eczema and fungal infections. Regular controlled sun exposure is often prescribed for sufferers. In Ayurvedic Sunbath, the diseased parts of the body are exposed to the sun’s rays for 10 to 15 minutes. When the affected area becomes hot after leaving it in the sun, it’s brought into the shade and massaged with cooling oil like coconut for 15 to 20 minutes. This routine is generally done under the early morning sunlight.
Maintains Menstrual Health
According to a research, vitamin D deficiency in women is associated with lower fertility and an increased risk for adverse pregnancy outcomes. About one in five women of childbearing age suffer from polycystic ovary disease which causes abnormal periods, unwanted body hair and infertility. So, ladies, it’s time to take some early morning sunbath for your good health.
Boosts Fertility
The sun reduces levels of the hormone melatonin which suppresses fertility, so it is more likely you’ll conceive in summer. Research has also found that summer is the peak conception period as compared to the winter season. Sunlight also boosts testosterone levels in men.
Reduces Risk Of Cancer
Whereas skin cancer is associated with too much UVR exposure, other cancers could result from too little of it. According to a research vitamin D provided by sunlight can actually help to significantly reduce your risk of other types of cancer. A study carried out by the US National Cancer Institute found that people exposed to high levels of sunlight were significantly less likely to die from breast and colon cancer. A similar effect was seen in ovarian, colon, pancreatic, prostate, and other cancers.
Prevents Depression
Not many people are aware of it but the lack of sunlight exposure also causes depression. Increased exposure to natural sunlight is beneficial to treat depression. Get out for a walk in the morning and sit outside under sunlight for 10 to 15 minutes. This will boost your mood.
Good For Heart Health
Studies have suggested that vitamin D deficiency increases an individual’s risk of hypertension, IHD, sudden cardiac death, or heart failure. Controlled sun exposure also lowers blood pressure level. It’s very important to get the regular sunlight exposure to maintain heart health.
Vitamin D supplements Vs Sun Exposure
Sunlight is the best natural source of vitamin D. When you get your vitamin ‘D’ from the sunlight, your body takes what it needs and removes any extra amounts.
So rather than being a generation deficient in Vitamin D due to fear of Sun, it is time to moderately expose the body to the powerful and healing Sun.
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Sources:
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2290997/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2290997/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3921055/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20937003
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3356951/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3239848/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21154195
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1495109/
