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SUNSHINE: It’s Health Benefits

maui sunset

 

ONE OF THE MOST EFFECTIVE HEALING AGENT BUT THE LEAST USED DUE TO FEAR OF HAVING SKIN CANCER.

Studies show that there are more diseases associated with lack of exposure to sunshine than over exposure to it.

 

THE HEALTH BENEFITS OF SUNSHINE ARE:

  • Vitamin D is formed in the skin. Cholesterol found in fat stored underneath the skin turns to vitamin D when exposed to ultraviolet rays from the sun.
  •  Lowered cholesterol and triglyceride (fat) levels in the blood. Since cholesterol is converted into vitamin D upon exposure to ultraviolet rays of the sun, then it naturally follows that the process lowers cholesterol in the body.
  • Boost in the immune system. Exposure to sunlight increases the production of the lymphocytes (white blood cells) that act as soldiers of the body, thus strengthening the immune system.
  •  Lowered blood pressure. Decrease in cholesterol in the body means lesser risk of forming plaques inside the blood vessels. This results in lower blood pressure.
  • Sound sleep promoted. Exposure to sunlight increases the production of serotonin, a substance that promotes sound sleep. 

Other health benefits of exposure to sunlight includes:

  • Increased stress tolerance
  • Bacteria and viruses are killed
  • Lowered blood sugar

 

DOES EXPOSURE TO SUNLIGHT CAUSE CANCER?

 Sunlight is one factor in the development of skin cancer. However, consider the following experiment by Drs. Bauman and Rusch: A group of mice were exposed to ultraviolet light. When the mice were given a low fat diet, it was very hard to induce skin cancer, but when they were given a diet high in fat or various oils, skin cancer was easy to induce, and a large percentage of the animals developed skin cancer. Fat seem to be the culprit that stimulates cancer formation, not only in the skin, but also in the colon and breast.

 A study on patients with melanoma (skin cancer) showed that patients who were exposed to sunlight has better survival than those who were not exposed. (National Cancer Institute report)

 

THE PROPER USE OF SUNLIGHT

1. Sunlight should be taken in moderation. NEVER ALLOW YOURSELF TO BECOME SUNBURNED!!! That is when harmful effects take place. Therapeutic effects occur just below the level of turning red.

2. Moderate skin exposure is preferable to having only a small area exposed.

3. Get your sunshine in small doses and take great care between 10 A.M. and 4 P.M., particularly in summer when the sun is strongest.

4. An hour a day of sunlight exposure, 10 to 15 minutes of which is sunlight exposure at noon time, is necessary to produce vitamin D on the skin and maintain good health.

5. Protect your eyes, as they sunburn more easily than the skin.

6. Eat a natural diet that is low in fat and protein and high in Vitamins A (carotene), C, and E, which are protective against cancer.