Get More Sunlight: Eight Reasons Why Sun is Good for Health

When you think of the sun, you first think of the harm it can do. And too much can cause many kinds of health problems. But small amounts, early in the day before it's at its brightest, can be right for you in some ways. Ultraviolet rays of the sun indeed are harmful, but to what extent is sunlight good? Let us find out.

1. Mood-lifting Benefits

Daylight and night trigger the release of hormones in your brain. Exposure to sunshine improves the brain's release of a hormone called serotonin. Serotonin is linked with boosting mood and helping a person feel relaxed and calm. At night, darker lighting sends a message to the brain to make a hormone called melatonin. This hormone is useful in sleeping well.

Without enough sun exposure, your serotonin levels drop. Low levels of serotonin are connected with a greater danger of major depression with seasonal pattern (earlier called seasonal affective disorder or SAD). This is a kinda of depression triggered by the growing seasons.

A mood boost isn't the only purpose to get raised amounts of sunlight. There are several health advantages associated with catching moderate amounts of rays. Due to this link, one of the main approaches for depression with a seasonal pattern is light therapy, also recognised as phototherapy.

2. Strong bones and calcium

Susceptibility to the ultraviolet-B radiation in the sun's rays affects a person's skin to produce vitamin D. According to a study from 2008, in 30 minutes while wearing a swimsuit; people will improve the vitamin D levels. Sunlight is the greatest natural source of Vitamin D which helps our bodies to process calcium effectively and is essential for healthy bones. It is said that even on cloudy days, the body can still produce Vitamin D from sunlight though it may take a little longer.

Vitamin D, given thanks to the sun, plays a significant role in bone health. Low vitamin D is linked to rickets in kids and bone diseases like osteoporosis and osteomalacia.

3. Cancer prevention and cure

Although excess sunlight can lead to skin cancers, a fair amount of the sun has precautionary advantages. According to researchers, those who reside in areas with fewer daylight hours are more likely to have some distinct cancers than those who live where there's more sun during the daytime.

4. Skin conditions

According to the World Health Organization, sun exposure might improve and treat several skin conditions, too. Doctors have suggested UV radiation exposure to treat: psoriasis, eczema, jaundice and acne. It is a myth that sunlight causes acne. It is the most natural way to keep your skin clear. Excessive sunscreen can block your pores if not paraben-free and oil-based. Regular, small quantities of ultraviolet light may help reduce the symptoms of several skin conditions.

Also Read: Vit D Lowers Blood Sugar And Reduces Fat In Indian Women: Study

5. Improves immunity

It is known that sunshine spurs your immune systems' vitamin D and T cells which appears in boosted immunity. Researchers state, "we rely on solar energy to enable our bodies to stave off infections and fight disease."

6. Lowers Blood Pressure

High blood pressure is critical, and it's essential to train yourself on ways to decrease your blood pressure. Research has shown that nitric oxide deposited at the top layer of the skin reacts to sunlight which causes blood vessels to stretch as the oxide goes into the bloodstream. This ends in lower blood pressure.

7. Weight Loss

According to Researchers, lack of sunlight can lead to depression which can change your appetite. They also explain hunger is regulated by a part of your brain named the hypothalamus. Absence of the sun creates a drop in serotonin levels, which can appear in not feeling full. Therefore, exposure to sunlight will help you regulate your appetite.

8. Promotes Eye Health

Opposite to what many people believe, sunlight is not the opponent to our eyes. Vitamin D is associated with good vision and eye ageing. According to research, "the result that the rays of the sun have not only a useful but a curative effect upon the eyes."

Average amounts of the sun over your life, particularly in your teen and young adult years, might make you less likely to have difficulties seeing things at a distance (nearsightedness). But too much-uninterrupted sunlight can hurt your eyes. It can lead to blurred eyesight and increase your odds of cataracts.

Shielding one's eyes from UV rays is crucial when in the sun for an elongated time duration.

How Much Is Enough?

This response is varied. It depends on your skin colour, age, health history, diet and residence. Scientists think 5 to fifteen minutes and up to thirty if you're dark-skinned (melanin), is about fit to get the most out of it without generating any health problems. You can stay for longer and get the equivalent effect if you use sunscreen. Discuss with your doctor about what's right for you.

Also Read: How Pollution Affects Kids: Development Delay, Stunted Growth

Saumya Rastogi is an intern with SheThePeople.TV