I grew up in sunny South Florida. My family and I spent our summers going to the beach. Being very fair-skinned, I never tanned, I only burned. No, I didn't layout on a towel and roast my skin like a rotisserie chicken. I was way too hyper for that. I would get in the ocean and stay there. Of course, I always went home looking like a bright tomato. As I got older, I tried to be better about putting on gobs of sunscreen. It did help. I went home looking more like pink cotton candy. The point is, the sun is not as bad as everyone wants you to think. I have some good news for you, sun goddesses.
Many health experts are reporting that most of us aren't getting enough Vitamin D. Supplements can't replicate what the sun provides us for free. If you want to get the health benefits of the ball of fire in the sky, you may want to forgo the sunscreen. Let your skin soak up some rays for a short period of around ten to twenty minutes early in the morning. Vitamin D is essential in keeping our bones strong and improve our immune system, and sunlight helps our bodies absorb calcium. It may help prevent osteoporosis and multiple sclerosis.
But wait, there's more.
Researchers are finding that people living in sunnier climates have lower blood pressure. Dr. Richard Weller, a dermatologist from the Univerisity of Edinburgh, discovered that skin exposed to sunlight produces nitric oxide. This biological mechanism helps dilate blood vessels and lower blood pressure. He believes that with the sun's help, we can lower our chances of heart disease and stroke due to high blood pressure.
You can watch Dr. Weller's TED Talk here:
But wait, there's more.
Get a better night's sleep. The sun helps us produce the hormone, serotonin. This mood lifter keeps us relaxed and focused. Getting some sun can reset our circadian rhythms, making it easier to have a good night's rest. Sleeping better produces essential health benefits. It keeps our brain functioning at it's best.
But wait, there's more.
Lose weight, my favorite reason of all. According to WebMD, scientists think early morning sun may help shrink fat cells beneath the surface of our skin. An excellent motive to get outside and walk. Between the sun and exercise, we're helping increase our emotional well-being. Keeping ourselves in a positive state of mind will boost our immunity. Now, more than ever, we all need to do what we can to stay healthy.
Of course, if we're going to spend the day in bright sunlight, we should be wearing sunscreen. Sunburns hurt and will damage our skin. No one wants skin cancer, but the sun is our friend. Staying indoors does more harm than good. We all need fresh air and fun in the sun. Plus, I can't reach the refrigerator when I'm outside.