Sunlight is one of the most important things that sustain life in this planet. It is the source of nourishment to almost every living thing that exists on earth. It helps to prevent the spread of harmful organisms which can cause serious health problems. It also aids in preventing depression and some degenerative diseases like diabetes and some forms of cancer.
Here are some of the health benefits of sunlight to the body:
1. It is a rich source of vitamin D
One of the greatest benefits that our body gets from sunlight is its ability to supply us with vitamin D. Vitamin D helps in the body's absorption of calcium and distributing it to the cells to provide energy to the bones. It also nourishes the nervous system by promoting the production of endorphins in the brain.
2. It helps to lower cholesterol level in the blood
Sunlight helps to lower cholesterol levels in the blood which contribute to the formation of plaques in the arterial walls. High levels of cholesterol in the blood can lead to hypertension, strokes and cardiovascular diseases.
A deficiency in vitamin D is also believed to contribute to a number of diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis, thyroditis and multiple sclerosis.
According to recent studies, your body can get the amount of vitamin D it needs everyday by exposing your face to sunlight for just 10 minutes on that day.
3. It helps to boost the immune system
Sunlight helps to protect your body from infections brought by bacteria, fungi or viruses. Its role in increasing the count of your white blood cells and gamma globulin makes it an effective immune system booster.
4. It is good for the heart
Sunlight helps in making your heart healthier and less stressed because it is able to lower hypertension and pulse rate.
5. It helps to keep your skin healthy and resistant to diseases
Sunlight plays an important role in protecting your skin from diseases such as eczema, psoriasis and acne.
5. Sunlight helps to improve your mood
Sunlight helps to improve your mood and alleviate stress that can lead to depression. It has the power to influence your brain to release endocrines which help to make you feel good and relaxed.
6. It has other health benefits
Sunlight has the ability to give you more health benefits like increased metabolism which is a great requirement for weight loss. It also enhances the functions of major organs such as your kidneys, liver and digestive tract.
Sunlight is very beneficial to your health, but over-exposure to it can also make you prone to ailments such as melanoma, skin cancer and eye damage. You should take just enough sunlight to sustain your health. Avoid getting exposed to the sun between 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 pm.
