Then God said: "Let there be light."

We have been taught that the sun is dangerous no matter what our level of exposure, and as a result we have been missing out on the positive benefits of sunlight. Recent studies have shown that moderate sun exposure is very good for our body as well as our mind in that it plays a big part in preventing disease.

The sun’s ultraviolet rays have anti-bacterial, anti-viral, and anti-fungal properties. This is why sunlight is good for people who suffer from skin inflammation such as acne or eczema. It has also been proven that direct exposure on homes or buildings results in fewer problems with dampness or mold.

Sunlight has a positive effect on mood and helps people who suffer from seasonal depression known as SAD (Seasonal Affective Disorder). This happens by increasing serotonin in the brain which is the “feel good” hormone. It also increases melatonin in the brain leading to better sleep.

Probably the most important benefit of the sun is the production of vitamin D. The sun is the only natural source of Vitamin D. We can supplements this vitamin in our diets, however, the sun has been shown to be far superior to any supplementation. Because of our avoidance of the sun, Vitamin D deficiency is very high in the United States leading to a wide array of health problems. Vitamin D has been proven to decrease cholesterol levels, fight different types of cancer including skin cancer, and prevent the flu virus just to name a few.

Moderation is the key to how much sun we should be exposed to on a daily basis. The fairer your skin the less time needed to produce Vitamin D. The darker your skin tone the more time needed to produce Vitamin D. Most agree that 20-30 minutes, 3 times a week is sufficient enough to maintain your Vitamin D levels. You want to avoid overexposure. So, if you plan to be in the sun longer than 30 minutes daily then your should consider some sort of sun protection (wide-brimmed hat, sunscreen, etc.). After seeing some of the positive health benefits of sunlight, it should be no-brainer to get out there and soak up the sun!!!

The information provided is for educational use only and is not intended to diagnose and treat any health conditions.