Not only plants that need sunlight but humans also need it. Behind the dazzling sunlight, it turns out that there are several positive benefits for human health,
So far, we have always tried how to protect ourselves from sunburn, when in fact the effects of sunlight are not that bad, in fact it is very useful for our health. Indeed, sunbathing in the hot sun for too long is not good for our skin, but it is different if we bask in the morning sun.
Immediately following
10 Benefits of Morning Sun for Health
1. Lowers blood pressure
In a study, researchers at the University of Edinburgh found that a compound called nitric oxide that can lower blood pressure is released into the blood vessels as soon as sunlight hits the skin. This finding is so important, because many believe that the health benefits of morning sunlight are to stimulate the production of vitamin D alone.
Richard Weller, a Senior Lecturer in Dermatology found that sun exposure can not only improve health, but also prolong life. That’s because the benefits of sunlight can lower blood pressure, including reducing the risk of heart attack and stroke. “These benefits far outweigh the risk of developing skin cancer,” says Weller.
2. Improve bone health
It is a known fact that vitamin D stimulates the absorption of calcium and phosphorus which strengthens bones in the body. However, emerging research also suggests a direct correlation between bone density and vitamin D3. Vitamin D3 is a fat-soluble vitamin, and is formed during the process of making Vitamin D when sunlight hits the skin. It regulates calcium absorption.
When you have higher levels of vitamin D3 in your blood, your risk of any type of fracture is reduced. On the other hand, lower blood levels of vitamin D3 were associated with a higher risk of all types of fractures. That is why sun exposure is so important for the bone health of the elderly.
3. Improve brain function
In addition to being good for bone health and regulating important calcium levels, scientists have now discovered a link between vitamin D and a number of functions throughout the body, including brain function.
One study, led by neurologist David Llewellyn of the University of Cambridge, looked at vitamin D levels in more than 1,700 British men and women aged 65 and over, and found that cognitive function was reduced with lower vitamin D levels. However, further research found that sunlight can help stimulate the growth of nerve cells in the hippocampus, which is the part of the brain responsible for forming, organizing and storing memories.
4. Overcoming mild depression
Lack of sunlight can cause a condition called Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD). SAD is a common form of depression in winter. It is also common in people who work long hours in office buildings and can barely get out to sunbathe.
Moderate sun exposure, will increase the natural antidepressants in the brain which can actually help relieve mild depression. That’s why on sunny days, the brain produces more serotonin, a chemical that improves mood, than on dark days (without light / cloudy).
5. Improve sleep quality
When sunlight hits our eyes, a message is sent to the pineal gland in the brain and the production of melatonin (a hormone that makes us sleepy and helps us sleep) is turned off until the sun goes down again. Your body gets a clear signal that it’s no longer night, and that certainly helps maintain a normal sleep cycle. When it gets dark, your body gets the signal again and you feel tired and sleepy at bedtime.
Low melatonin production at night due to excess production during the day, will result in poor sleep quality, especially in the elderly.
6. Reduces Alzheimer’s Symptoms
Clinical research shows that Alzheimer’s patients are exposed to sunlight from 9 am to 6 pm. scored better on mental tests and there was improvement in several aspects. For example, one study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association found that Alzheimer’s patients who were exposed to bright light tended to have fewer depressive symptoms, were less likely to wake up at night and were less anxious than those who were exposed to less light during the day. . The researchers found this to be due to a more regular circadian rhythm.
7. Cure some skin diseases
Sunlight helps heal skin disorders, such as acne, psoriasis, eczema, jaundice and other fungal skin infections.
In one study, four weeks of outdoor sun therapy significantly reduced psoriasis symptoms in 84% of subjects. While other studies say that sun exposure has a therapeutic effect on the skin.
Sunlight has been shown to be effective in treating several skin disorders, but this alternative treatment method should be used under medical supervision to prevent the negative side effects of UV radiation, and to ensure the benefits outweigh the risks.
8. Good for children’s growth
We already know a lot about this activity, just what is the reason parents tell us to dry the baby in the morning?
Studies reveal that the amount of sun exposure in the first few months of a baby’s life has an effect on how tall a child grows. Many cultures around the world are aware of this fact, and eventually they routinely expose children to light morning sun to promote growth and height.
9. Boost immunity
The benefits of sunlight can help suppress an overactive immune system. That is why sunlight is used to treat autoimmune diseases such as psoriasis.
White blood cells will increase with sufficient sun exposure, so they can fight disease and defend the body against infection. In fact, moderate sunlight can help boost your overall immune system.
10. Reduce the risk of certain cancers.
The last benefit of sunlight is to reduce the risk of cancer. Vitamin D deficiency will increase the risk of various cancers, especially breast and colon cancer. However, by eating whole foods and getting enough sunlight, it can reduce the risk of breast cancer.
Research shows that vitamin D supplementation can reduce the risk of all forms of cancer by 60%. This confirms that vitamin D and sun exposure are beneficial in reducing the risk of cancer.
Sunlight does have many benefits for human life, as well as a major cause of skin cancer. Experts recommend no more than 15 to 20 minutes of direct sunlight each day for healthy adults. After that, apply a sunscreen with a Sun Protection Factor (SPF) of at least 30.
Good sunshine is in the morning at 06.00 – 09.00 am. You should sunbathe at these hours.
