Our planet is our home. It gives us sunlight that provisions our lives. The sunlight produces food, energy, oxygen, and vitamin D (a major health booster). Yet, many of us spend a large portion of our day indoors. Too much time spent indoors means we miss out on exposure to sunlight. But are there health benefits to spending some time in the sun?
Let’s get to know more in the following about the benefits of sunlight:
Helps combat depression
The sun, it turns out, is not just a source of vitamin D and mood-lifting warmth. Staying outside and exposing yourself to natural sunlight (without sunscreen or tanning beds) can also have some mental benefits. Exposure to sunlight can help fight off depression.
Sunlight helps fight depression. Vitamin D deficiency can lead to depression, and the sunshine vitamin helps to regulate mood levels. Studies show that exposure to it helps the body release serotonin, a neurotransmitter that plays a role in mood regulation. Low serotonin levels can contribute to depressive symptoms, so getting more sunlight may help relieve symptoms of depression. Try spending time outside if you’re looking for ways to brighten your mood and get more energy.
Boosts our immune system
All living things need sunlight to survive, which extends to plants, animals, and humans. Sunlight contains vitamin D, which plays an important role in maintaining healthy bones, teeth, and immune systems. It also helps maintain healthy blood, skin, and nervous systems. The body can make vitamin D when our skin is exposed to sunlight.
However, while sunlight may provide beneficial nutrients, it’s also a known irritant. Exposure to sunlight can cause burns and certain types of skin cancer, which is why it’s important to take precautions when spending time outdoors.
It can help keep our weight off
Summer is here, which means it’s almost time to enjoy the great outdoors-from outside to inside! And the physical health benefits of sunlight can help keep your weight off. Studies show that when there is less sunlight, people’s weight tends to go up. But it’s not always because of a lack of activity or calories. When people need less sunlight, they tend to eat more. The hormone melatonin is also released in response to sunlight, lowering our appetite and helping us feel full. That fullness makes us less likely to eat too much.
Being exposed to sunlight has many benefits, and weight loss is one of them. Exposure to it causes the body to produce vitamin D, which helps the body absorb calcium and phosphorous essential for bone health and promotes cell growth. Vitamin D can also reduce the body’s production of cortisol, a hormone that increases hunger and fat storage, and reduces the stress hormone cortisol.
Stronger bones
The sun provides us with various health benefits, including decreasing the risk of cancer, heart disease, and diabetes. Getting enough sunlight also helps to maintain strong bones. Vitamin D is very important, and it comes from sunlight. This vitamin is fat-soluble, so your body cannot store any extra vitamin D.
Vitamin D is essential in healthy bone building, and your body produces it in your skin when sunlight exposes it. By avoiding sun exposure, you are reducing your vitamin D levels. Vitamin D deficiency can cause various health problems, including bone thinning, muscle weakness, depression, obesity, and certain cancers. As much as possible, get sun exposure. The sun is your best source of vitamin D, but you can also use vitamin D supplements.
Reduces your stress
The sun’s bright rays not only energize you but can also help fight stress and provide numerous health benefits. To reap the advantages of sunlight, you need only stand in the sun for 15 to 20 minutes, which is enough to get about 90 percent of the recommended daily dose of Vitamin D. Researchers say it has a number of health benefits, including lowering the risk of cancer, reducing blood pressure, improving heart health, reducing inflammation, and protecting the brain. And, as a bonus, sunlight helps your body produce energy, which may help fight stress. Allowing sunlight into your home through skylights or a pyramid roof lantern can bring these health benefits indoors, promoting well-being and reducing stress levels. By allowing natural sunlight to fill your living spaces, you can create a healthier and more rejuvenating environment from the comfort of your own home.
Quality Sleep
While exposure to sunlight may be the last thing on your to-do list, this common household product has quite a bit to offer. Sunlight helps regulate sleep, which is why many people with sleep disorders report sleeping better after getting a sunny 15-minute walk.
Long Life
Of all the health benefits of sunlight, the best may be how it helps you live longer. While there’s no scientific evidence that proves sunlight leads to a longer life, the general consensus of the health community is that exposure to sunlight helps boost immunity, improves overall mood, and may even help fight depression.
The health benefits of sunlight are undeniable, but research has been done, and the truth is that sunlight has beneficial effects on our health. While the benefits may not always be apparent, it’s mostly just a matter of time, and the sooner you get more sun, the sooner you will benefit from your health.