Sounds like such a contradiction to so much we have heard over the years, doesn't it? Yesterday, as I was driving around doing errands, I heard this list read on the radio, and when I got home I searched the internet for it and found it posted on Yahoo, in the Shine from Yahoo section, written by Brett Blumenthal. Here is the text from the 10 reasons that were posted there.
Of course, exposure to sunlight is a risk for skin cancer, so this should not be taken as a green light for subjecting yourself to hours in the sun without sunscreen. The article states that depending on your skin type, you probably need 5 to 30 minutes of sun exposure to the face, arms, back or legs (without sunscreen) twice every week. Consider the benefits listed below, and make your own call.
1. Vitamin D: Vitamin D is the only vitamin that can be synthesized in the skin through a photosynthetic reaction triggered by exposure to UVB radiation. Vitamin D, specifically is important for immune response, mood stability, and bone health. Vitamin D deficiencies have been directly linked to seasonal affective disorder (SAD), osteomalacia (a softening of the bones because of defective bone mineralization), and, increased premature cancer mortality.
2. Happy Hormones: Exposure to sunlight enhances our overall mental outlook and sense of wellbeing. The skin's exposure to sunshine releases endorphins. Endorphins are our body's natural anti-depressants, and as a result, a lack of sunshine can cause decreased endorphin production, resulting in depression disorders.
3. Circulation and Heart Health: Sunshine helps to increase circulation by dilating the blood vessels in the skin and enhances heart health by decreasing blood pressure, while increasing cardiac output. This facilitates the transportation of nutrients and oxygen to our cells.
4. Natural Detox: Sunshine exposure helps to increase liver function, which is responsible for filtering and removing wastes from the body. Further, as a result of increased circulation from the sun, we are able to more efficiently, eliminate the waste through our blood.
5. Skin Health: Although too much exposure can increase risk of skin cancer, exposure to the sun can increase the healing of skin diseases and conditions such as eczema, skin ulcers, skin fungal infections, and acne.
6. Immune System: Sunshine increases production of both red and white blood cells, strengthening the immune system.
7. Boosted Metabolism: Sunshine can help with weight loss. This is due to the fact that it helps to boost metabolism and maintain blood sugar levels.
8. Natural Disinfectant and Antibiotic: Sunshine kills harmful viruses and bacteria, making it a natural antibiotic and disinfectant. Many disease microbes are killed by sunshine.
9. Cancer Prevention: Yep, you heard me right. Turns out, that sunshine can actually help prevent some cancers (breast, ovarian, and colo-rectal). This is a direct result of the synthesis of Vitamin D, which is important in warding off these types of cancers.
10. Improved Sleeping Patterns: Melatonin production is enhanced by sun exposure. Melatonin is a hormone produced by the pineal gland, that encourages sleep.
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