Stay out of the sun! – these are words many of us are well familiar with. They are often encouraged during the warmer summer months as a measure of protection to shelter ourselves from the gruelling effects of the heat.
However, while staying out of direct contact with the sun is something you need to practice, it is equally important to have sufficient sun exposure for the benefit of your overall health.
The medical publication Hopkins Medicine highlights that the main reason why people are encouraged to keep out of the sun is mainly due to the damage it can cause when spending time outdoors without sun protection.
The above-mentioned sources highlight that “unprotected exposure to the sun’s ultraviolet (UV) rays can cause damage to the skin, eyes, and immune system.” This can therefore also lead to skin cancer as well as premature skin ageing.
It is therefore best to make use of a sun protection cream or hat to ensure that you have shade and your skin is covered.
Furthermore, the health and wellness website, Healthline, says sun exposure is not necessarily bad as it is considered to be the most natural way that your body can absorb vitamin D.
The key, however, is to limit your exposure to sunlight by getting 10 – 30 minutes of midday sunlight several times per week.
Doing so will benefit your body and overall health in the following ways as recommended by Medical News Today:
- Supports bone health
- Manages calcium levels
- Reduces inflammation
- Supports the immune system and glucose metabolism
In addition, it is also reported that sun exposure is known to uplift one’s mood. “Researchers have noted a link between exposure to the sun and lower blood pressure levels with reduced death rates from cardiovascular issues,” states Medical News Today.
Also see: The symptoms of vitamin D deficiency
