Very often when people talk about the sun and exposure to the sun’s rays, they only and exclusively highlight the negative effects this act can have on our bodies: burns, skin damage and even skin cancer. Of course, these are true risks, but they refer to improper exposure to sunlight (e.g., exposure during the hottest hours without any kind of protection for the skin or eyes). What many people ignore, however, is that sunlight also brings a very high number of benefits to our bodies, clearly linked to controlled and responsible exposure.
In fact, many scientific studies have shown that proper exposure to the sun’s heat rays also and especially benefit our skin. In fact, thanks to the sun’s rays, the skin releases a chemical compound within the blood vessels that helps lower the pressure of blood, significantly decreasing the risk of infarction o stroke (consider that deaths from strokes and heart attacks are far greater than those from skin cancer).
The beneficial effects of sunlight
Premised already on the importance of exposing oneself to the sun only at the recommended times and with proper common sense, exposure to the sun’s rays is especially helpful for the production of vitamin D. Vitamin D is a substance that is not normally produced by our bodies but is taken in through supplements or, much more importantly, is synthesized by our bodies precisely through exposure to the sun, and it is crucial for the development of the body as it helps to strengthen the ‘bone apparatus, improve that respiratory and is also a panacea for the system immune. Finally, it is helpful in combating the most common cardiovascular diseases.
Help for the mind as well
In addition to the already mentioned numerous benefits that sun exposure brings to our bodies, it is also important to talk about the positive effect that the sun also has on our minds. In addition to stimulating Vitamin D production, the sun is also essential for the synthesis of melanin, a substance that allows us to tan and thus achieve that amber color of our skin that we all appreciate and that boosts our self-esteem by making us feel more attractive and beautiful. Sunshine also helps to regulate sleep-wake cycles, allowing us to rest better and also is the cause of improved mood. In fact, it is precisely the sun’s rays that are capable of activating certain neurotransmitters (serotonin) that act at the level of the brain, lifting our mood, driving away anxiety, worries and negative thoughts, making us more carefree and happy.
After this list of some of the many benefits that our bodies can derive from exposure to sunlight, we need to be reminded once again that exposure to the sun should be done in the most correct way possible, at the right times of day and with all the proper protections.
