Health Benefits of Sunlight
Rose May Pimentel in Health
Feb 04, 2022 • 3 min Read
Sunlight is often perceived as a threat to our health because it can cause adverse health effects like skin cancer, but research suggests that exposure to sunlight may be beneficial in small doses.
Here are some of the amazing benefits of sunlight:
1. Improves Bone Health
Sunlight stimulates the production of vitamin D by the skin, which is essential in preventing osteoporosis and the loss of bone mineral density as you age.
2. Boosts Brain Function
Regular changes in your hormone levels and a calm and relaxed mind can help boost brain health and prevent certain neurodegenerative diseases. Natural light also helps in improving your sleep, mood, and lifestyle.
3. Regulates Sleep
Sunlight helps the body release serotonin, while darkness cues the body to release melatonin, which can help humans fall asleep. Without this cycle, your body’s hormonal releases can become delayed, resulting in unwanted side effects, such as insomnia.
4. Prevents Infection
Research has found that exposure to sunlight stimulates the immune system of the body, thus preventing various infections and pathogens. This immune system boost positively affects both the skin and internal defenses.
5. Anticancer Potential
Many studies have mentioned the deficiency of vitamin D leading to the occurrence of cancer. The American Society of Nephrology suggests that regular exposure to sunlight has been linked to a reduced risk of colon, pancreatic, breast, and prostate cancer. Sun exposure is found to help lower the risk of bladder cancer as well. However, if you stay out in the sun for too long, exposure to UV rays may increase your risk of skin cancer.
6. Skin Care
Although too much sun is a bad thing, occasional exposure can help the skin defend against various forms of inflammation or infections, like psoriasis and eczema.
7. Weight Loss
Morning light also seems to help people keep the fat off. Scientists think the sun’s rays may shrink fat cells below your skin’s surface. More sunshine means you’re probably getting more exercise too, which is good for you in lots of ways, including shedding pounds.
8. Sunlight as Treatment
In addition to some skin issues, filtered sunlight can also be used to treat a condition called jaundice that mostly affects newborns. It happens when there’s too much of the chemical bilirubin in the blood, and it makes a baby’s skin look slightly yellow. Putting the baby in the sunlight behind a window (to filter out the harmful kinds of rays) may help get rid of the bilirubin. Never put a newborn in direct sunlight outside.
9. Extend Life Expectancy
There’s some thought that by getting enough sunlight and therefore, adequate levels of vitamin D, you can live longer. A study of 30,000 women in Sweden over 20 years indicated that those who spent more time in the sun lived up to two years longer than those who got less sun.
As most people already know, exposure to sun rays should be experienced in moderation. An excessive amount of sunlight can result in sunburn and more long-term problems due to the ultraviolet rays of the sun. Prolonged exposure can increase your risk of skin cancer, as well as many other health issues.
Go get outside, soak in the sun and enjoy its benefits. Remember: A little sunshine can go a long way but too much is harmful.
Stay healthy and safe!
