Sunlight is Rich in Vitamin D and Helps Lowers Blood Pressure

 

The holidays finally give us a break from our busy lives and a chance to think about ourselves.

Spending some time in the sunlight on the cool mornings of February will instantly make you feel refreshed and happy.

 

For years, we have been told that going out in the hot sunlight without sunscreen can be harmful. But the truth is that this hot sunlight is also essential for our bodies.

 

The sun's rays can improve your mood, lower your blood pressure, help strengthen your muscles and bones, and even help improve your immune system.

 

Benefits of Sunlight

 

Sitting outside in sunlight can be beneficial for your mental and physical health.

 

The human body stops producing vitamin D without sunlight, which is essential for your bones, muscles, and immune system.

 

In some countries, there are only a few months of the year when there is enough sunshine to provide the human body with the necessary vitamin D. In the UK, this is only possible from April to September.

 

The body stores the vitamin D it gets in the summer, and it can function in the winter.

 

Many people become deficient in vitamin D in the winter months, which can lead to many diseases such as diabetes, dementia, and immune system disorders. That is why it is essential to get vitamin D in the summer.

 

The sunlight does not just provide vitamin D, but it also has many other benefits. Some of them are:

 

Improves Your Mood

 

Everyone knows that sitting in the sunlight makes you feel happy. This is because the sunlight produces a hormone called serotonin in your brain. Serotonin not only improves your mood but also makes you feel calm and able to focus better.

 

A study has explained that people have higher serotonin in their blood on that day when the sun is shining brightly than on cloudy days.

 

The study also explained that the rate of serotonin production in the brain is directly related to the duration of sunlight, regardless of the weather or outside temperature.

 

In addition, some studies have also shown that direct sunlight can stimulate your skin cells to produce endorphins, and it makes you feel good.

 

Lower Blood Pressure

 

Sunlight can also help lower blood pressure directly.

 

Scientists at the University of Edinburgh conducted a study that found that just 20 minutes of sun exposure on your arm can increase the production of nitric oxide in your skin. Nitric oxide lowers your blood pressure by dilating your arteries.

 

No matter how old you are, vitamin D is essential for your bones. Vitamin D can make you stronger.

 

A recent study found that taking vitamin D strengthened the muscles of athletes. There is also evidence that vitamin D may help protect against respiratory tract infections and improve the immune system.

Sunlight is the Best Source of Vitamin D

 

Indeed, you can also get vitamin D from food. However, it is not possible to get the amount of vitamin D you need to stay healthy from food alone.

 

The best foods to get vitamin D are fishlike salmon, mackerel, and sardines. We also get vitamin D from eggs and mushrooms. However, it is quite difficult to get sufficient amounts of vitamin D with the help of food alone.

 

In comparison, it is much easier to get vitamin D from sunlight. When sunlight hits your skin. Skin immediately absorbs it and turns it into this powerful source of nutrition.

 

How Much Sunlight is Enough?

 

The amount of sunlight you need to get the maximum amount of vitamin D depends on what type of skin you have, where you live, and how sensitive you are. The most important thing is that your skin should not burn due to too much sun.

 

Darker skin contains more melanin. The melanin acts as a natural sunscreen, absorbing the effects of radiation and protecting the skin from damage. As a result, vitamin D is produced easily.

 

Getting your Face in the Sun is not Enough

 

Some people think that getting your face in the sun is enough. But to get the most out of the sun's rays, you should also get your arms and legs in the sun. Even when it's cloudy, the ultraviolet rays are filtered through the clouds and reach your skin.

 

It may seem harmful to go out at a time of day when the sun is at its strongest, but the truth is that midday sun is the best way to get vitamin D.

 

According to Professor Anne Webb of the University of Manchester, the highest vitamin D is obtained at noon, and the risk of skin cancer is also lower. However, this does not apply to countries where the sun is powerful.

 

However, if you are going out in the sun for a long time, it can damage your skin. To avoid this, you cover your skin or use sunscreen. The UK's National Health Service recommends a sunscreen with at least SPF 30.

Get Shorter and Frequent Sun Exposure

 

Getting short and more frequent sun exposure is a great way to get the most out of your sun exposure. You may try to get all your sun exposure in one day. But the truth is that most of your vitamin D is produced in the early hours of the day.

 

You need to be careful not to have sensitive skin or take any medications that make your skin more sensitive.

 

You are using any skincare products that contain retinol or other strong exfoliants. You should apply sunscreen before going outside. These products can affect your sensitivity to the sun's rays.

 

The people may find it difficult to spend more time outdoors or expose their skin to the sun. During the winter months, many people take a vitamin D supplement. Just 10 micrograms of vitamin D a day is enough for you.

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