Friday, 21 February 2014

Venture Out Into The Sun And Feel Healthier As A Result

By Haywood Hunter


While many people have become aware of the dangers of over exposure to sunlight, with the risk of skin cancers well known by us all now, there are still many health benefits to spending time out in the sun. While sunburn should always be avoided, getting the right balance between being outside and protecting yourself is a good way of giving your body and mind a natural tonic. Some of the health benefits which can result from being out in the sun are detailed below.

A key benefit of spending time in the sun is that it allows the body to produce the Vitamin D that it requires naturally. Conditions such as rickets are caused by having too little of this vitamin. Some cancers, as well as respiratory conditions like asthma, have also been linked to having too little Vitamin D in the body.

Light from the sun initiates the production of Vitamin D3 in particular in the human body. UVB Rays of sunlight work with cholesterol in our skin to help create Vitamin D within our kidneys and liver. Without sunlight, this process cannot take place, which can lead to severe Vitamin D deficiencies.

A sensible level of exposure to sunlight is to be outside for around half an hour. Your body will benefit from this kind of exposure on three or four occasions each week. Glass allows UVA rays in, which can damage the skin, while blocking UVB rays, so exposure to sun through windows is not to be advised. Sun block lotions and creams can also block UVB rays, which the body uses to produce Vitamin D.

It is also impossible to get too much Vitamin D, as the body has a natural defence mechanism, which will start to work when enough of the vitamin is present for the body's needs. For the full positive effect of the sun's rays, do not wash the skin with soap immediately after coming in from being out in the sun. The soap will destroy the natural oils which are necessary for the production of Vitamin D.

Recent research from Edinburgh University also suggests that the health benefits of spending time in the sun may well outweigh the risks of contracting skin cancers. This research suggests that the rays from the sun can help to cut high blood pressure, as well as reducing the risk of heart attack and stroke. This has a significant impact on potential life length for many people.

UV rays were found by this study to release a compound called nitric oxide, which looks like it acts to reduce blood pressure. While more research is necessary to establish the exact reasons for this, it looks like light from the sun can offer more than just Vitamin D. Stroke and heart attack kill approximately 80 times more people than skin cancer in the UK, according to the BBC.

Exposure to light from the sun can therefore be seen to be good for you in a number of ways. It can keep your heart healthy, as well as ensure you have sufficient Vitamin D. If you are concerned about any specific health issue relating to the sun, consult a medical professional.




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