Why You Need Sunlight

We’ve all heard the warnings: too much sun exposure can cause skin cancer, and many other problems. But sunshine is actually very good for your emotional and physical health. While it’s not wise to let yourself be sunburned, safe amounts of sun can actually reduce your risk for many cancers and other health conditions. Here’s why you should go soak up some rays when you have the chance.

Sunlight makes you happier

Do you feel better after a day at the beach or park, or a walk on a sunny day? Exercise and vacation time might contribute to your good mood, but it’s likely your positive feelings come from the sunshine as well. The sun boosts your body’s seratonin levels, and exercising outside produces more endorphins than working out inside.

On top of this, sunshine beats SAD (Seasonal Affective Disorder, also known as winter blues). On those autumn and winter days when the sun is shining, make sure to go for a walk or participate in snow sports to get that precious sun even in the darker months.

Sunlight fights disease

True–harmful UV rays can increase your risk for skin cancer or burn your skin. But sunlight in moderation can fight dangerous and debilitating diseases such as heart disease, multiple sclerosis (MS), diabetes, and eczema. It can also reduce your risk of breast and colon cancer. For those suffering from Crohn’s disease and other inflammatory bowel disorders (IBD) who may find it difficult to absorb vitamin D from foods (such as eggs, oily fish, and meat), sunlight can help combat the effects of these illnesses as well. Sunlight can encourage your body to produce white blood cells and help you fight infection.

Getting sun can help you lose weight

The higher levels of seratonin produced by sunlight can not only improve your mood, but your body weight. Seratonin suppresses your appetite, helping you eat less in the summer. That’s also why, holidays aside, people tend to eat more during the winter.

Can’t get sun? Eat these foods

You may not see much sunlight all winter depending on where you live! But you can keep your body healthy in the interim. During cloudy days, eat fatty fish, beef liver, cheese, and/or egg yolks to get your vitamins. Some foods like cereals or dairy products have also been fortified with extra vitamin D. Switch to these during the winter.

Remember to be safe while soaking up rays! Use minimum SPF 15 sunscreen or cover up after a few minutes in the sun to boost your vitamin D.