The Sun – it’s not all bad news

Much of the information contained in our website explains about the dangers of overexposure to the suns radiation.

However, there are also many benefits to be gained from sunlight.

There is sufficient medical evidence to suggest that sunlight can help protect you from many internal cancers. This includes: breast, colon, ovary, bladder, womb, stomach and prostate.

Well being and sleep

A psychological effect of the sun is the general feeling of well being it evokes. This is difficult to measure in scientific terms, but the feel good factor is a major player is our mood swings.

Happiness is one of the key essences for a good life.

Seasonal affective disorder (SAD) is a recognised medical term. This is prevalent during the winter months when we are deprived of sufficient amounts of sunlight. Depression levels may rise during this time as a result. We can decide therefore that sunlight may help with depression.

The pineal gland is a tiny organ found in the base of the brain. This gland may be described as our ‘body clock’. Sunlight coming into our eyes stimulates this gland, which helps to regulate our activity cycles and improves sleep.

Vitamin D

Vitamin D is essential for healthy life.

The sun is such a key source of Vitamin D, most of the body’s supply of this vitamin, about 75%, comes from the sun’s UVB rays. It is highly unlikely that diet alone, without supplement, will supply the body with sufficient quantities of this vitamin.

Health stores are plentiful today and supplements are readily available. Mankind on the other hand has lived for millions of years where supplements were not available. We may consider that nature had it’s own way of supplementing this vitamin by delivery from the sun.

It is interesting to note: we can intake excessive amounts of vitamin D when supplied through our diet (food and supplements), however, when the source comes from the sun our body’s intake only what we need. The sun is a natural way to boost our supply efficiently and safely.

Vitamin D is essential for healthy bones, muscle and our immune system. Rickets found in young people and Osteomalacia in adults is largely due to vitamin D deficiency.

Interesting Fact: In 1903 the Nobel Prize for medicine was awarded to the Danish physician, Neils Finsen, in recognition of his success in treating Tuberculosis of the skin with ultraviolet radiation.