Soack Up the Sun!

There's so much speculation about the harmful effects of UV rays from every skincare brand. Like some life-threatening enemy, we try to shield ourselves from the sun using sunblock and sunglasses. But scientific evidence shows that optimum exposure to the sun can prove to be really beneficial for our health. Sunlight brings joy, happiness, warmth and brightens up our day. Early morning sunrays, especially those between 6am-10am, have many health benefits. Some of these are listed below:

Rich source of Vitamin D: Vitamin D is required by our body for calcium absorption and transfer. Efficient absorption ensures that bone problems like osteoporosis, rickets etc. are prevented. Sunlight is the richest natural source of Vitamin D. Sun exposure of the face, neck, arms, and legs for 10-20 mins daily can help our bodies absorb Vitamin D adequately.

Detoxification: Sunlight increases our core body temperature. This helps in easy removal of toxins from the body and also enhances the functioning of the liver.

Increased blood circulation: Sun rays widen the blood vessels which increase blood flow and transport of oxygen and nutrients throughout the body. It also reduces the heart rate and blood pressure. Skin that is exposed to ultraviolet (UV) rays release a compound, nitric oxide that lowers blood pressure.

Mood elevation: Sunlight stimulates the production of serotonin - a neurotransmitter in the brain which helps to improve mood and reduce mood swings. It also acts as a natural anti-depressant by preventing depression by producing endorphins.

Immunity booster: Sunlight increases the production of white blood cells which help to prevent infections caused by bacteria, fungi and viruses. It also helps prevent cancers of the prostate gland, breast, colon etc.

Good sleep: Your amount of daylight exposure is vital in maintaining a normal circadian rhythm. These rhythms include physical, mental, and behavioral changes that follow a 24-hour cycle and respond to light and darkness in the body's environment. Exposure to sunlight increases the production of melatonin hormone which helps you sleep soundly. The sleep-wake cycle is contingent on morning sunlight to help you sleep at night. Natural daylight helps your body clock restart to its active daytime phase. To ensure that your body clock is in sync, be sure to go outside and get some sunlight when you wake up or turn on the lights in your room. This will give your body the signal that it is daytime and not nighttime. To avoid confusing your circadian rhythm, try not to sit in dim settings during the day because your body will associate the bright light with night. The less morning light you expose yourself to, the more difficult it will be for you to fall asleep and wake up at your set time.

Digestion: Sunlight increases metabolism and helps to improve digestion.

Skin problems: Early morning sunlight can help reduce skin issues like acne, eczema, psoriasis etc.

While bathing in the sunlight can prove to be beneficial for your overall health, do avoid over exposure to the burning sun rays, especially in the afternoon. So have you soaked up some sun, today?