Light up your life!
It’s such a gloomy day here today that I thought I’d talk about our need for sunlight and and how it affects not only our mood, but our weight.
There are many benefits to regular exposure to sunlight:
* Sunshine on the skin directly influences body chemistry by converting cholesterol (from the liver) into vitamin D, which helps the body utilize calcium. As we know, calcium is needed to build healthy bones and teeth and prevents diseases like osteoporosis and dental decay.
* Regular daily exposure to sunlight can improve fat metabolism.
* Reflected sunlight entering through the pupils stimulates the pineal gland and this in turn help the hormonal system function efficiently. When we are not exposed to regular natural light (for at least 20 to 30 minutes each day) our natural body clock may gain or lose time. This disturbance of the body’s intricate cycles (known as the Circadian rhythms) is thought to cause hormonal imbalances. Lack of sunlight will also make us feel tired, run down and depressed.
* Exposure to sunlight also increases the heart’s output, which quite simply means more blood, more oxygen, more energy and a faster metabolism. This is one of the reasons why people find slimming easier in the summer months, when they spend more time outdoors.
* Sunlight has several other health bonuses: it lowers the resting heart rate; it lowers blood pressure; it benefits arthritis; it improves eyesight; and it increases the body’s tolerance to stress.
* Sunlight also improves calcium absorption, once again protecting you against bone loss and tooth decay.
* Exercising outdoors is of great benefit as sunlight reduces lactic acid formation, so you are less likely to feel sore after a workout, and it also helps to improve endurance.
* Sunlight balances the reproductive hormones and this has a positive effect on fertility, helps overcome difficulties experienced during puberty and even has a positive influence on impotence. It also helps to sort out ovulation irregularities.
* Sunlight helps to build a better quality flesh. You even look healthier from regularly spending time outdoors.
* Sunlight helps control appetite, craving for carbohydrates and therefore weight gain.
* Natural light has a profound impact on the immune system, making you less susceptible to every passing cold and flu germ.
* Natural light increases productivity.
You don’t have to be in direct sunlight for the pineal gland to benefit. Even overcast skies can benefit you, so don’t be tempted to stay inside on a chilly winter’s day, and sitting in the shade in summer will also do the trick. Just ensure that your eyes are not covered by sunglasses, prescription glasses or contact lenses for at least 20-30 minutes, as these reduce the beneficial ultraviolet rays.
It is important to remember that although the sun is essential to your health and well-being, we need to be sensible about our exposure and avoid sunbathing between 11am and 3pm. If you’re very fair, like me, you may even have to make that between 9am and 5pm in summer. If you need to be in the sun for a prolonged period due to a function or a sports event, opt for cool long sleeves and a large-brimmed hat and even an umbrella.
Learn to trust your body. It will tell you when you’ve had enough sun. When you start to feel hot and uncomfortable, listen to your body and get out of the sun. Don’t cool down in the pool or the waves and then stay in the sun! That’s when the damage is done!
There have been several studies that have shown that sun block creams actually contribute to skin cancer because of the chemicals they contain. (Some of these chemicals even have a negative effect on your endocrine system.) It’s up to you to decide whether you want to use them or not, but I personally don’t anymore. I’ve had skin cancer and prefer to limit my time in the sun.
If you see the sun today, give it my regards!
Posted in Health, Diet and Lifestyle
May 28th, 2008 at 2:18 pm
You don’t have to sell me on the benefits of sunshine! I have a real hard time dragging through winter - there’s nothing like a sunny day!
You’re right about taking it easy though. My first huband died of skin cancer . Good old Mr. Sun - it’s a two edged sword…..
May 28th, 2008 at 2:53 pm
LOTS of sun in Stockholm today - and the best part is it sticks around until 10pm.
Netjanes last blog post..Toebroodjies
May 28th, 2008 at 3:53 pm
I can always tell reading some blogs where they have an actual winter, how gloomy the blogger feels with all the snow, etc. Then spring arrives and bam! They are feeling frisky and happy again.
The sun is one of those things where you gotta have it but in safe quantities.
Grumpy Chairs last blog post..Why Drive When You Can Walk Or Ride Your Bike Challenge
May 28th, 2008 at 3:56 pm
Ooo, I love sunlight… what an informative post
I see definite changes not only in myself, but in the children depending on how much sun we get.
P.S. I got ‘the China Study’ last night and it’s changing my life, thanks!
RLSs last blog post..Strange Combinations
May 28th, 2008 at 6:18 pm
There’s nothing like the feel of sun on one’s face, after a gloomy day indoors.
We’ve got lots of sun in southern California today. Hello sun - Hanlie says hi!
Patties last blog post..Learning to Read
May 28th, 2008 at 8:33 pm
yep i take the sun in safe doses. I use a great sunscreen called blue lizard baby sunscreen.. its wonderful for my fair freckly skin..
honis last blog post..WEDNESDAY WANDERINGS
May 28th, 2008 at 11:22 pm
That’s such a great and informative post.
That’s the main reason I moved to Arizona (sunshine). I was tired of living in a state where it was mostly gloomy (Michigan).
Kristen’s Raws last blog post..Saturday At Whole Foods, Exercise & Photo Shoot
May 29th, 2008 at 1:45 am
Thanks for this great info. I’ve never seen all these benefits before.
It’s sunny here so I’m off to enjoy some more of it.
MargieAnnes last blog post..THE SUN SHINES ON A WONDERFUL DAY
May 29th, 2008 at 2:40 am
It’s hard for me to find information on the web about wellness, nutrition, etc. that is new to me, but this was a very interesting and informative post. Thanks so much! I always feel better in the summer months and its great to know the science behind why!
May 29th, 2008 at 3:24 am
Considering it is winter here we are having the most awesome days heaps of sun and loving it. Still in t-shirts most days love it. Makes you feel alive
Hippygals last blog post..
May 29th, 2008 at 8:21 am
Well, that was a happy coincidence, finding your sun post, Hanlie!
Very informative and an added motivation for this office rat to get out in the sun a bit. We’ve been having rain ~ which is very uncharacteristic for the Highveld. I loooooove rain, but come winter, I really *need* the sun!
Pippas last blog post..Stillness in Sunlight
May 29th, 2008 at 3:08 pm
And don’t forget about vitamin D which is produced by the sun through our skin. Vitamin D prevents osteoporosis, depression, prostate cancer, breast cancer, and even effects diabetes and obesity. So I am definitly getting my fair share of sun today!!
Irish Moms last blog post..Mr Sun
May 29th, 2008 at 5:40 pm
[...] is a great time to try new physical things. The sun is inspiring, and longer lit days mean more [...]
May 29th, 2008 at 10:46 pm
Fantastic write up Hanlie! There are truly so many benefits! And with summer approaching for us here in Canada this whole week I am doing a Sun Smart Series just to remind everyone not to overdo it in the sun as that has the opposite effects.
Evitas last blog post..Vegetarian Recipe: Veggie Flower Power
May 30th, 2008 at 2:42 am
Great article on the sun! I’ve been enjoying sunbathing this year with no burn worries. Yay!
XO
Pixy Lisa
Lisas last blog post..Some Vacation Pics
May 30th, 2008 at 6:39 am
I love the sun. Winter is always rather gloomy and we are only 2 days away! Nooooo.
Andrew is getting fits last blog post..A good long run
May 30th, 2008 at 8:51 am
What an interesting piece! Stunning picture.
Emils last blog post..The impossible is unlocking cages of ascribed identities
May 30th, 2008 at 11:33 am
Forgot to compliment you on Photo. What terrific symbolism.
I have just completed a tag from you Blog. It was fun.
MargieAnnes last blog post..I FEEL GOOD AS THE 2ND WEEK OF LFL BEGINS
June 1st, 2008 at 1:06 am
I was trying to explain to a coworker how healthy the sun was for us and I couldn’t think of these things… I’m going to have to cut/paste this into an email and send it to her hehee. Thanks
Ben Kaelans last blog post..The journey continues….