HEALTH BENEFITS OF SUNLIGHT

Whether the Sun is our friend or foe? The debate on this can be perpetual, but we should understand that Sun is vitally vital for the existence of life on the Earth so it cannot be our enemy. There are some concerns regarding the risk of skin cancer and premature ageing on prolonged exposure to sunlight. It becomes less significant when we consider the numerous health benefits; we receive by exposure to sunlight. If we can follow the correct time and duration of sun exposure, we can eliminate this risk and get the optimum benefits of it.

Now let's see these benefits one by one,

1. PREVENTS VITAMIN-D DEFICIENCY 

Sunlight is a must for the synthesis of Vitamin-D in our body. A majority of vitamin-D necessary for us synthesized from exposure of the skin to the sunlight. Upon exposure of skin to UVB light from the sun rays sets a chemical reaction which results in the synthesis of Vitamin D in its most natural form.

2. REDUCES RISK OF TYPE-2 DIABETES 

Adequate exposure to sunlight is necessary for the synthesis of vitamin D in the human body. Vitamin D plays a vital role in the production and secretion of hormone Insulin from pancreas and metabolism of glucose. Optimum levels of vitamin D in our body helps in improving the sensitivity of insulin, which is necessary for effective utilization of glucose from the blood into various cell and tissues. Normal insulin sensitivity helps in maintaining blood sugar levels within optimum limits and reducing the risk of type-2 Diabetes Mellitus.

3. BOOSTS IMMUNITY 

T-cell is a type of White Blood Cells (A type of immune cells). It plays a significant role in the fight against infection. When our skin gets exposed to sunlight for an adequate duration, the blue light spectrum of the Sun (with short-wavelength) helps these cells to circulate in the body more effectively. It makes them able to reach new infection quickly and stop it before it can cause any harm.

4. REDUCES CANCER RISK 

Though according to some studies, it is true that, too much exposure to Sunlight (Especially to Ultraviolet radiation) can put an individual at the risk of skin cancer. It also depends upon the duration of exposure, time of the day and skin type of an individual.

According to the latest research, it has got proved that vitamin D is crucial in reducing the risk of some types of cancers, such as:

• Breast cancer
• Colon cancer
• prostate cancer
• lung cancer.

5. LOWERS BLOOD PRESSURE

Exposure of skin to the sunlight for an optimum duration helps in generation of Vitamin D in the human body. According to some studies, Optimum Vitamin D level in the body helps in maintaining normal blood pressure levels. Thus, reducing the risk of Hypertension.

There is one more mechanism through which sunlight helps in Keeping our blood pressure levels within normal limits. On exposure to Sunlight Nitric oxide, a compound which is present in our skin gets transferred to the blood circulation. In the circulation, it relaxes the inner muscles of the blood vessels causing blood vessel lumen to widen. It increases blood flow and reduces blood pressure. In short, it reduces the risk of Hypertension.

6. PREVENTION OF OBESITY AND METABOLIC SYNDROME 

Deficiency of vitamin D is associated with a disruption in the secretion of the hormone insulin. It results in the development of insulin resistance. Insulin resistance is one of the main culprits behind the accumulation of excess fat within our body and the development of obesity and metabolic syndrome. 80-90% of Vitamin D is formed through a chemical reaction, on the exposure of skin to the sunlight. Adequate exposure to the sunlight is necessary to have optimum levels of Vitamin D. Normal vitamin D levels protects against the development of insulin resistance, which in turn helps in preventing obesity.

The exposure of skin to Ultraviolet rays from sunlight releases Nitric oxide. Nitric oxide helps in the prevention of insulin resistance; thus, contributes to the prevention of obesity and metabolic syndrome.

7. IMPROVES MOOD 

Upon adequate and regular exposure to the sunlight, our brain increases the release of the hormone serotonin. Serotonin is a hormone which is associated with improvement in mood, calmness and focus. This way, sunlight helps in boosting our mood and improving our focus.

8. IMPROVES SLEEP

Exposure to more light during the day and less light at night is critical for healthy sleep patterns. Exposure of Body to Sunlight during the day results in lesser production of melatonin (A sleep-inducing hormone) during daytime with increased release during the night thus, helps in calibrating the body's biological clock. It correctly adjusts our circadian rhythm; we feel energetic during the day and feel sleepy during night. It helps in overcoming symptoms of insomnia and improves the quality of sleep.

9. IMPROVES ALZHEIMER'S SYMPTOMS

Alzheimer's disease (AD), the primary cause of dementia worldwide, is characterized by progressive loss of memory and cognition.

Vitamin D, through various mechanisms, plays a vital role in the smooth functioning of blood vessels, nerve impulse transmission & calcium metabolism. It also offers protection against oxidative stress and inflammation to the nerve cells in the brain. Vitamin D deficiency hampers the functions mentioned above, which it performs, thus increasing the risk of Alzheimer's disease. Regular and adequate exposure to sunlight helps in overcoming vitamin D deficiency; therefore, it can improve Alzheimer's symptoms.

10. HEALS SKIN DISORDERS 

Sunlight helps in the healing of certain inflammatory skin conditions like Eczema and Psoriasis. Exposure of skin to the sunlight triggers the release of nitric oxide into the bloodstream. Once in the bloodstream nitric oxide activates specialized immune cells called as regulatory T-cells (Type of white blood cells). These cells once activated, dampen the ongoing inflammatory response in the skin. Thus, help in alleviating symptoms of eczema.

Exposure to the Ultra-Violet-B rays from sunlight can slow the rapid growth of skin cells that occurs with psoriasis. It may help to ease off the inflammation and reduce scaling in people with mild to moderate psoriasis

11. BETTER BONE HEALTH 

One of the significant functions of Vitamin D is the maintenance of Calcium levels in our blood within normal limits. It helps in the absorption of calcium present in the food we eat into the blood from intestines. Vitamin D deficiency is associated with reduced absorption of calcium. In chronic condition, calcium levels drop. To compensate for this, the calcium is removed from bones; thus, making them weak and brittle. Regular exposure to sunlight keeps our vitamin D levels within normal limits. It avoids calcium deficiency and indirectly protects our bones (Keeps them strong and healthy).

12. CAN CURE DEPRESSION 

Serotonin is a hormone produced in our, associated with regulation of mood. Reduced Levels of serotonin manifest as low mood, tiredness, irritability and other depressive symptoms. Regular exposure to sunlight triggers the production of serotonin. When serotonin is produced in enough quantity, it improves the depressive symptoms. It creates a feeling of happiness and well-being.

13. IMPROVES EYE HEALTH

According to researchers, the bright outdoor sunlight helps in maintaining the correct distance between the lens and retina of a child's developing eyes. Maintaining the proper distance between lens and retina is necessary for kipping vision in focus. It can't happen effectively with dim indoor light. As a result, when children spend too much time indoor, their eyes fail to grow correctly. It manifests as an increase in distance between retina and lens, causing far-away objects to look blur, I.e. Develops nearsightedness (Myopia). Thus, spending time outdoors in sunlight is necessary for better eye health.

14. IMPROVES BRAIN FUNCTION 

Skin exposure to the UV rays from sunlight increases the level of specific chemical like urocanic acid. This chemical crosses the barrier between blood and brain cells and enters neurons (Nerve cells). In neurons, it gets metabolically converted to glutamate. Increase in glutamate levels results in increased transmission of impulses between them. This enhanced transmission through neurons results in improved learning and long-term memory and indirectly brain function.

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