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Sun Exposure is Not All Bad: 5 Benefits of Sun Exposure

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We are used to hearing about sun exposure and all the damage that it can do to your skin. From skin cancer to sun related aging, it can take its toll on the body. However, it is important to keep in mind that not all sun exposure is bad and, if done in moderation, can be good for you and your body.

However, before we get into the benefits, we should note that moderation is key here. Everyone should still take the proper precautions to protect themselves from UV rays whenever they go outside and are at risk of being exposed to higher-than-safe radiation levels from the sun.

Benefits of moderate sun exposure

    • Sunlight can provide your body with a much needed serotonin boost

Serotonin is a type of hormone your body produces that is vital to good mental health. Sunlight and nighttime both trigger different hormones in your body. Sunlight triggers the production of serotonin, which helps you feel awake and produces feelings of positivity and relaxation. Darkness produces melatonin which is important for having a good sleep. Exposing yourself to the sun during the day, particularly in the morning, can help trigger the production of serotonin in your body and start you off with a bang.

    • Sunlight can help you get a better night’s sleep

Exposure to moderate amounts of sunlight in the morning can also help you get a better night’s sleep. Studies have shown that exposure to sunlight in the morning can make it easier to fall asleep and wake up when needed. So pulling back those curtains in the morning or going for a nice walk can really help you rest at night.

    • Sunlight can help bolster your body’s natural immune system

Sunlight is one of the primary ways your body produces Vitamin D. Vitamin D is a key ingredient to a healthy body and is important in signalling the immune system, which helps your body monitor your cells. It has been linked with reduced infection rates and mortality rates.

    • Exposure to sunlight helps your body produce Vitamin D for other health benefits too

Aside from providing some foundations for a healthy immune system Vitamin D also has some other surprising and powerful effects on the body. Research has shown positive impacts on things like reduction of inflammation, healthy maintenance of muscles, stronger bones, improved brain function and lower levels of certain diseases like heart disease, prostate cancer and dementia.

    • Sunlight can help lower blood pressure

High blood pressure can be dangerous and is linked to severe conditions like heart disease, kidney failure, erectile dysfunction and diabetes. One in three Australians suffers from high blood pressure. The good news is that sunlight can help lower it by reacting with the nitrite oxide in the top layer of the skin, causing the blood vessel to widen and reducing the blood pressure in the rest of your body.

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