Health benefits of sunlight: How doses of sunlight can help your body, Akshita Malhotra, SmBiogen

Much has been talked about how harmful UV rays can cause skin cancer, and this has prompted people to stay aback from sunlight. But did you know even small amounts of sunlight can do wonders, especially the earliest one, before it’s the brightest?

While through this article we would like to emphasize on the benefits of sunlight, it is always good to find the right balance to maintain optimal levels of Vitamin D.

Sunlight initiates the process of production of Vitamin D in the body. The basic mechanism is the interaction of UVB rays (through skin) with 7-DHC protein to produce Vitamin D3. Several researches have been conducted drawing parallels to the benefits of sunlight. And one recent research that has been gaining traction, links exposure to sunlight with lower blood pressure levels. According to this research, exposure to sunlight triggers the skin to release stores of nitrogen oxides, which cause arteries to dilate, lowering blood pressure, and reducing the impact of metabolic syndrome. And therefore, intake of Vitamin D supplements has direct correlation to decreasing the risk of heart disease.

Moving on, there is not just one but many benefits that sunlight presents us. Be it prevention of breast cancer, colon cancer, prostate cancer, multiple sclerosis, or type 1 diabetes; there is proven research that UVB rays act as a protectant against chronic diseases. Moreover, sunlight can help you sleep better, can help boost your immune systems, and is known for relieving pain by increasing the production of endorphins.

But how much is too much, and when should you draw a line? The answer to this question is very subjective, and differs from person to person. Some factors that govern sunlight exposure include- skin tone, geography, age, health history. According to scientists dark-skinned people can remain up to 30 minutes in the sun, and even more when having sunscreen on.