Why You Need Sunlight

Are you getting enough sun? Yes, I’m talking about that big hot fiery ball of radiation that climbs into the sky every morning. Do you realize that it can be just as good for your health as it is damaging. In fact, experts now believe that the sun’s rays provide more benefit than harm—provided you get the right dose. And, I’m not talking about vitamin pills, I’m talking about good old fashioned sunshine!  

I have always been a strong proponent of the healthy aspects of getting sunshine. I know… I know, the scare-you-to-death-health-police have been trying for years to convince us that we all should either move to Seattle… or never go out- side unless we’re under an open umbrella. But like everything else in life, it’s about balance and moderation. Personally, whenever I get some sun, I feel healthier!   

New scientific research shows that getting more sunshine actually makes you brighter later in life. This according to a recent study that proves that vitamin D from sunshine helps older people stay mentally fit.   

The researchers compared the cognitive performance of more than 3,000 men aged 40 to 79 and found that those with low vitamin D levels did more poorly on  tasks designed to test mental agility.   

Another advantage of getting more natural day- light is that it helps shut off your body’s production of melatonin, a hormone produced at night that makes you drowsy. This helps you to feel more tired at bedtime when it’s dark outside.   

And, while you’re at it, forgo the sunglasses, for at least some of that time outside. This enables sunlight to pass unhindered through your eyes to the gland in your brain responsible for releasing melatonin.    

So now that sunlight has become more available with daylight saving… make it a point to grab all you can get when you can. Trust me, you’ll be healthier for it.