There has been a lot of confusion about the amount of time spent in the sun for fear of getting skin cancer. Science has shown for several years that we need the sun. Here are some of the benefits that we receive from the sun –
· it boosts the immune system,
· it alleviates pain from joints swollen by arthritis;
· it helps lower pain from some PMS pain;
· it lowers stress, improves mood, it destroys germs, lowers blood pressure;
· it is beneficial for depression, improved sleep and lowers cholesterol.
· It is beneficial to jaundice in infants and adults
· It purifies the air in a room
Many of these benefits come from sitting in the sun several days a week. The best times for sunbathing are during the early morning and late afternoon hours or when the sun is low in the sky. During the winter months near noon is the best time to get the most benefit from the sun.
“Approximately 30 minutes a day, 3 times a week in direct sunlight is adequate for most Caucasians. The darker your skin, the more sun exposure you need to obtain an adequate amount of vitamin D,” [Amazing Health Facts p25]. It is wise to begin with 10 to 15 minutes of sun exposure and gradually increase to the maximum.
Modest sunbathing will help you avoid getting a sunburn or skin cancer. A high fat diet combined with exposure to sunlight is one of the things that may contribute to skin cancer.
Anyone working in the sun for long periods of time should wear a hat and clothes that reduce overexposure to the sun, e.g. drink lots of water and taking other necessary precautions.
Our bodies are able to manufacture vitamin D in the skin as the sun shines on the skin.
In the winter when we are bundled up to keep warm, exposing the face and hands to the sun is very beneficial.
Open the blinds or curtain and let the sun shine in! Go outside, improve your health and mood in the sun!
