Originally published February 19 2014
Sunning sensibly has numerous health benefits for the body
by Sandeep Godiyal
(NaturalNews) In spite of years of bad press about the harmful effects of the sun, with its powerful ultraviolet rays, such as UVAs and UVBs, researchers are now pointing to its many benefits instead. For both mental and physical benefits, exposure to the sun is necessary for good health. Even the benefits offered by substitutes, such as vitamin D supplements, are not as well processed by the body as natural exposure to the sun.
The many benefits of sun exposure
In a recent issue of Dermato-Endocrinology, researchers found that the benefits of exposure to the sun go significantly beyond the production of vitamin D. Of course, this vitamin is an important one for the body, but there are numerous benefits to the body that make sensible exposure to the sun a must for continued good health.
relieve pain from chronic conditions such as fibromyalgia and diabetes protect against getting melanoma and decrease the mortality rate from it treat skin diseases such as psoriasis, scleroderma, vitiligo and more the function of the skin as a barrier are improved treat seasonal affective disorder (SAD) treat jaundice in young babies improve both mood and energy through the release of endorphins
Vitamin D3 explained
Unlike the vision that comes to mind when the word vitamin is heard, exposure to the sun does not result in a vitamin being instantly produced by the human body. Instead, the body produces a hormone that is an oil-soluble steroid. This natural steroid forms when the skin is exposed to the sun as it converts its rays to a derivative of cholesterol. The body then converts this into vitamin D. The process is not instantaneous, though, as it can take up to 48 hours for the body to convert it to vitamin D before the levels of this nutrient are evident in the bloodstream.
The sunscreen myth
All health experts agree that it is imperative to prevent against sunburns. One of the most popular ways of doing so is to slather on large amounts of sunscreen containing ingredients that are designed to block the sun's rays for a specified amount of time and in particular circumstances. Many of the ingredients in these sunscreens, however, are laced with harmful chemicals that are carcinogens. Because these chemicals are being applied directly to the skin, which then absorbs them quickly, the risks of developing skin cancers, such as melanoma, increases dramatically.
Choosing a sunscreen that protects against both UVA and UVB rays as well as one that is not above a SPF of 50 can help people enjoy the health benefits of the sun without increasing their risks for overexposure. In addition, choosing sunscreen carefully reduces the risks of melanoma.
Sources for this article include:
http://gentleworld.org/the-benefits-of-responsible-sunbathing/
http://healthimpactnews.com
http://www.foodandhealing.com/articles/article-sensible_sunning.htm
About the author:
Sandeep has written many health field articles for both Internet and print publication. He currently writing for insurancetips4u.co.
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Sandeep has written many health field articles for both Internet and print publication. He currently writing for insurancetips4u.co.
Read More articles from Sandeep:
5 Must-Know Things about Car Insurance
Top 5 Reasons Your Health Insurance Premium Will Rise in 2016
Top 5 Tips for Finding Affordable Health Insurance Policy
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