10 Reasons Why Sunbathing Is Good For

You

Weve all heard the warnings about spending too much time in the sun.

Over the past few decades, there has been a lot of talk in the media that too

much sun is harmful to your health.

Although there are many factors that can contribute to an unhealthy

relationship with the sun--from poor diet, over-exposure, dehydration, and

external pollutants--spending time in the sun can be incredibly healing.

Mounting evidence is revealing that moderate sun exposure at healthy levels

is not only safe, but necessary.

Recent scientific research has shed some light on the matter and is giving us

good reason to reconsider any fears about the sun.

Here are some health benefits of moderate sun exposure that you should

know about:

1. Lowers Blood Pressure

We were all convinced that the sunlights only health benefit to humans was to

stimulate the production of Vitamin D. It wasnt until a group of researchers

discovered that the compound nitric oxide, known to lower blood pressure, is

released into the blood vessels as soon as sunlight touches the skin.

Sunlight not only improves health, but generally also prolongs life. With the

benefits of lower blood pressure from sun exposure, it automatically reduces

the risk of heart attack and strokes.

2. Improves Bone Health

Vitamin D stimulates the absorption of calcium and phosphorus in the body.

When sunlight comes in contact with the skin, it stimulates the manufacturing

process of Vitamin D, through which a fat-soluble vitamin called Vitamin D3 is

formed.

The higher levels of Vitamin D3 in your blood regulates calcium absorption.

This makes you at lower risk of suffering fractures of any kind.

3. Improves Brain Function

Two studies looked into the relation between Vitamin D and cognitive function.

The data from both researches show that those with lower Vitamin D levels
had poor performance on a battery of mental tests and manifested slower

information processing speed.

Other studies have found that sunlight could help stimulate nerve cell growth

in the hippocampus, which is that part of the brain that is responsible for

organizing, forming and storing memories.

4. Eases Mild Depression

Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) is a form of depression common in the

winter months, and in those who work long hours in office buildings and

seldom get out for some sun. Sunlight deprivation can cause SAD.

With moderate sun exposure, the natural anti-depressants in the brain are

increased. The brain produces more of the mood-lifting chemical called

serotonin.

5. Fights Insomnia
Your brain has an internal clock which is set when you are in the sun. Your

body is signaled that it is no longer nighttime by sending a message to the

brain to stop the production of melatonin, a hormone that makes you drowsy

and helps you sleep.

Low levels of melatonin production at night due to overproduction during the

day has been associated with poor sleep quality, especially in older adults.

6. Reduces Alzheimers Symptoms

Cognitive impairment is often a precursor for dementia and Alzheimers

disease. Research has presented convincing evidence on the effects of

Vitamin D on a persons cognitive function.

Alzheimers patients exposed to bright light had fewer symptoms of

depression, wakefulness at night and agitation. They were generally more

functional than those exposed to dim daytime lighting.

7. Improves Some Skin Disorders

Sun exposure is said to have a therapeutic effect on the skin and sunlight has

been successfully used to treat skin disorders such as acne, psoriasis, and

eczema.

While light therapy isnt for everyone, a dermatologist can recommend if light

treatments will benefit your skin concerns. Any alternative treatment method is

best done under medical supervision to ensure the benefits outweigh the

risks.

8. Increases Growth In Children

This finding is especially true for infants. Studies reveal that the amount of sun

exposure in the first few months of life has an effect on how tall the child

grows.

Numerous cultures around the world acknowledge this fact and expose their

children to mild sun to boost height and growth.

9. Boosts The Immune System

Results of a study showed that infectious diseases are not a regular feature

during the summers. The summer sun therefore is found to be a natural killer

of infection causing bacteria and viruses.

While white blood cells increase with sun exposure, they play a major role in

fighting diseases and defending the body against infections. Moderate sun

exposure can be very helpful for your immune system.

10. Reduces the risk of certain cancers

Researchers from the University of Edinburgh specifically point out that the

health benefits of sun exposure far outweigh the risk of developing skin

cancer. Vitamin D, which is obtained naturally from sun exposure, has been

linked to lower the risks of many other cancers.

Vitamin D deficiency increases your risk of cancer, specifically breast and

colon cancer. Eating whole foods and getting some sun can bring breast

cancer into remission. Many other studies have shown that with Vitamin D

supplementation, risks in developing any form of cancer is reduced by 60%.

Summary

Sun exposure plays an important role in maintaining a healthy lifestyle.

With continuing improvements in technology, we are able to see more clearly

what the effects of the sun on the human body are.

Enjoy the amazing experience of being in the sun and gladly soak up its

benefits, but do so responsibly. Getting no sun at all is just as unhealthy as

getting too much.

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