I am away in Florida this week with my family. After this past horrible winter, being in the warm sunshine has never felt so good. It has made me so happy to feel sun on my skin.
Did you know that there are huge benefits to being exposed to sunshine?
Our bodies need sunshine to create Vitamin D! It is one of the few vitamins that the human body can produce, but sunshine is necessary to make it. Vitamin D has a number of functions in the human body. It is essential for bone growth, repair and formation. Many people believe that calcium is the most important mineral for our bones, but calcium actually requires vitamin D for proper absorption. Vitamin D also supports immunity. Further, recent studies have shown that it may reduce the risk of developing MS, heart disease and certain cancers
In general, most Americans struggle to obtain enough vitamin D. Many people work inside all day and there are valid concerns about skin cancer among the American population. Experts generally suggest sun exposure of 10-15 minutes a day, which is unlikely to pose a health threat. Vitamin D may also be obtained through supplements and certain food, including salmon and trout.
Of course, there are other benefits to sunshine. Fresh air is always good for you and few things boost my mood like a sunny day.
To all of my readers in the northeast, know that I am sending some rays up to NY to warm it up. Luckily, spring and summer are right around the corner, and I will make sure to get my vitamin D every day that the sun is out!
Leave a Reply