The Health Benefits of Sunlight

We have long used the power of sunlight to prevent infections, ward off diseases and heal illness. There is a reason we innately enjoy soaking in the sun’s rays on a beautiful day; beneficial biomolecules activate when your body is exposed to light, positively impacting both mind and body. These healthy photo-biproducts act as anti-inflammatories, vasodilators (which help reduce blood pressure), and endorphins. They keep your body strong and your mind focused.

The benefits of sunlight are well documented throughout history. Nursing pioneer Florence Nightingale observed during the Victorian era that sick patients in rooms with ample sunlight recovered more quickly compared to those in rooms with no windows. This reflection, coupled with others, laid the foundation for a modern approach to science and medicine.

Vitamin D production is one of the most well-known health benefits activated by exposure to sunlight. For our skeletal, cardiovascular, neurological, and immune systems, maintaining proper vitamin D levels protects against disease, optimizes physical performance, and improves mental health. Keep reading to unravel the full benefits of sunlight and vitamin D – also known as the sunshine vitamin. The Sunshine Vitamin Vitamin D is often referred to as the sunshine vitamin because vitamin D3 production in the skin is activated by the sun’s ultraviolet B (UVB) rays. Despite being called a vitamin, vitamin D is actually a hormone produced within the body.  Vitamin D is naturally produced when UVB light is absorbed by the skin, converting a specialized cholesterol to pre-vitamin D3. Pre-vitamin D3 then converts to vitamin D3 in the skin and transfers to the bloodstream over several days. After arriving in the liver, vitamin D requires two metabolic conversions to become calcitriol – the active form of vitamin D. Calcitriol binds to vitamin D receptors in nearly every cell throughout the body. Though it sounds complicated, this process is regulated naturally by the body. The bioavailability of vitamin D is managed by several internal control mechanisms to ensure your body gets only what it needs. When vitamin D levels are maintained, this hormone boosts your immune system — readying you for any physical or mental challenge that comes your way.

Overcoming Obstacles

Studies have shown that vitamin D insufficiency is widespread, with approximately 77% of the global population experiencing low levels of vitamin D [1,2]. Awareness of the importance of vitamin D’s role in overall health is crucial to living your healthiest life.

While spending time in the sun sounds easy, the shift from an agrarian society into today’s information age has directly affected our lifestyle — which now includes sitting behind a computer screen for hours each day. Our indoor society is exposed to the sun much less than prior generations.