Top 10 Health Benefits of Sunshine
1. Reduce risk of Type 2 diabetes. Once considered an adult-onset disease, type 2 diabetes is reaching epidemic proportions in our kids. It’s a lifelong disease, and harder to treat in the young. Some studies suggest that vitamin D can reduce the risk of developing it (one study found that those with high levels were 40% less likely than those with low levels).
2. Reduce cancer risk. There are lessened mortality rates for 15-20 types of cancer in regions of higher solar UVB exposure, particularly for breast, colon, and rectal cancer. Those patients who had higher vitamin D blood levels when diagnosed had nearly twice the survival rate of those with the lowest levels.
3. Strong bones for better bone health. Vitamin D boosts calcium absorption for strong bones, which means you’re less likely to develop bone diseases, fractures and osteoporosis.
4. Protect eye health. Vitamin D has been tentatively linked to lower incidence of cataracts, and studies indicate good D levels correlate to a lowered risk of macular degeneration as you age.
5. Boost immunity. Researchers believe that vitamin D is integral to proper function of the body’s T cells— the immune system’s first line of defense.
6. Improve metabolism; fight obesity. Several studies show correlation between sun exposure and an increase in metabolism, although the reasoning isn’t cut and dry. One hypothesis that makes a lot of sense to me is that decreased time in the sun leads the body to believe it’s winter, causing the body’s metabolic processes to shift into a winter fat-storing mode. More about that here.
7. Lower blood pressure. The warmth of the sun can improve circulation, and heightened vitamin D levels have been shown to reduce blood pressure in hypertensive subjects— perhaps as effectively as medication.
8. Reduce stroke risk. There are likely a lot of factors at work here, but in one survey people who lived in areas with less sun exposure had a stroke risk that was 60% higher than those who lived in sunshine-y regions.
9. Sleep better. Daily time in the sun helps to regulate circadian rhythms for a better night’s sleep. And sleep has its own host of health benefits.
10. Feel better. Sunshine has been shown time and again to improve mood, fight Seasonal Affective Disorder and lessen stress. Not to mention, we’re more likely to MOVE when we’re outside basking in the sun. And physical activity is definitely good for you!
Vitamin D deficiency is also implicated in a lot of other health complaints, from muscle pain to the resurgence of rickets (!) in children.
Is vitamin D from sunlight better than taking supplements?
Well, it’s complicated. Current health recommendations lean toward limiting sun exposure, a logical conclusion when you take into account the incidence of skin cancer.
However, given that vitamin D deficiency is one of the most common nutritional deficiencies (some say the most common, while others give that distinction to iron) and the many ways D is beneficial for the body and mind, I’m championing sunshine, enjoyed responsibly, supplemented by diet.
The solution? It’s so easy.
GET OUTSIDE MORE.
Wear your sunscreen— no sunscreen blocks 100% of the sun’s rays— but make a point of frequently getting out there to get short doses of golden sun.
Take frequent breaks to stretch your legs and breathe in some fresh air.
Go for walks.
Play at the park with the kids.
Garden.
Whatever. You’ll get more vitamin D. You’ll be moving more and sitting less. You’ll be pumping fresh air into your lungs instead of the still, chemical-laden air of our sealed-up buildings. You’ll enjoy the mental benefits of communing with nature and taking a break.
It’s win-win-win-win. And then win some more.
Other health benefits derived through the exposure of sunlight are:
Strengthening of cardiovascular system
Normalizing blood pressure as well as blood sugar
Increased metabolism
Aiding in weight loss
Ensuring proper functioning of kidneys by eliminating wastes
Enhanced liver function
Improved digestion
Above all, sunshine has that magical power to alter your moods and cheer you up, thereby preventing anxiety and depression
http://simplegreenorganichappy.com/2012/05/10-health-benefits-of-sunshine-get-outside/
留言列表
{{ article.title }}
藏書閣 (1)
