Health benefits of sunshine

By Bio Island Nutrition Team

The sun is a beautiful thing, it allows us to warm our bodies outside in and provides many other health benefits. You do need regular daily sunshine to provide the body with nutrients that will benefit in other absorption needs and the functioning of our body systems.

Here are some benefits the sun provides us:

1. Sunshine triggers production of vitamin D, which in turn will help us absorb calcium better. You only need roughly around 10 to 15 minutes a few times a week to restore your levels.
2. Sunlight can help with your mental health. Sun light can help release hormones, one being serotonin which is associated with boosting mood and helping bring a calm sensation. Therefore, a drop-in serotonin levels may cause depression or mental health related issues.
3. The sun can help treat certain skin conditions. As it increases blood circulation in the body it helps increase the healing process, along with the absorption of vitamin D benefits.
4. Avoiding sun between 11am-3pm as it is usually when the sun is at its peak and can be when the UV is most dangerous without sunblock.
5. Sunshine helps with bone health, as mentioned earlier it increase vitamin D absorption which works with calcium and phosphorus in the body to help reduce or prevent fractures.
6. Blood pressure can be lower by sun exposure. As the sun hits the skin nitric oxide is release which therefore helps lower blood pressure.
7. Improves sleep quality. When the sun hits our eyes, it triggers the production of the hormone melatonin, which helps us feel drowsy and sleep. It helps the body keep a healthy circadian rhythm.
8. Immune system boost. The sun can help suppress an overactive immune system, which why in some cases of auto immune diseases the sun is used as a form of treatment. Also, as white blood cells increase with sun exposure, they play a role in helping fight off sickness or diseases.
9. Lastly brain health. The sun again allowing us to absorb certain vitamins then plays a role in our bodies systems and organs. Neuroscientist David Llewellyn found that the sun has helped spur nerve cell growth in the hippocampus, which is a part of the brain responsible for forming, organizing and storing memories.

The sun has many benefits but remembering that you only need a few minutes a day is enough to refuel your bodies needs. Any longer in the sun and sunblock is needed. Be sun safe and your body will thank you for it.