Vitamin D is vital as it aids biological processes that take place in the body. Though we may get vitamin D from food and other nutritional supplements, the sun is an important and free source of this vitamin. When we sunbathe, the Ultraviolet B-rays from the sun react with the 7-dehydrocholesterol (7-DCH) protein in the skin to produce vitamin D3. The 7-DCH is a zoosterol that functions in the serum as a cholesterol precursor. The 7-DCH is then photochemically converted to Vitamin D3 in the skin.

Vitamin D, in general, supports the formation and maintenance of healthy bones, manages calcium levels and reduces inflammation.

Studies have found that moderate exposure to sunlight can increase the brain’s release of serotonin. Serotonin is a hormone associated with boosting mood and helping a person feel calm, positive, and focused. Without enough sunlight, one’s serotonin levels can fall. Low levels of serotonin are associated with a higher risk of major depression with seasonal patterns (also known as a Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD). This form of depression triggered by the changing seasons is sometimes treated with natural light from the sun.

Exposure to the sun is good for managing blood pressure levels, with reduced death rates from cardiovascular diseases.  Scientists suggest that healthy exposure to sunlight triggers the skin to release stores of nitrogen oxides. Nitrogen oxides cause arteries to dilate, lowering blood pressure, and may reduce the impact of metabolic syndrome.

In other research, increased sun exposure may also protect people from diseases including type 1 diabetes, multiple sclerosis, colon, breast, and prostate cancer.

Additionally, filtered sunlight can be used as a treatment for jaundice. This condition mostly affects newborns, making a baby’s skin look slightly yellow. Jaundice is caused when there is excess bilirubin in the blood. Most doctors recommend putting the baby in the sunlight behind a window. The filtered light from the sun may help to get rid of the bilirubin.

Research has found morning sunlight to help with weight loss. Scientists generally recommend 20 to 30 minutes of a walk between 8 a.m. and noon to get rid of some fat. The sun’s rays may shrink fat cells below the skin surface. More sunlight with exercise is good for the body in many other ways aside from shedding weight.

There is no doubt about the fact that sunlight is hard on the skin. However, sunlight does some good too. Dr. Robert S. Stern, Chairman of the Department of Dermatology at Harvard-affiliated Beth Deaconess Medical Center, and others recommend getting the sun in moderation, for all skin types. Some ways in which we can sun-bathe healthy include using sunscreen with a sun protection factor (SPF) of at least 15 for long hours of being in the sun. Also, one can wear a hat during midday to shield the skin from sunburn and other sun-related cancer.

REFERENCE:

Information from the BBC, www.health.harvard.edu, www.healthline.com, www.medicalnewstoda.com, and www.webmd.com was used in this story