Content
Exposing yourself to the sun daily brings several health benefits, as it stimulates the production of vitamin D, which is essential for various activities of the body, in addition to stimulating the production of melanin, preventing diseases and increasing the feeling of well-being.
Therefore, it is important that the person expose themselves to the sun without sunscreen for 15 to 30 minutes daily, preferably before 10 am and after 4 pm, as these are the hours when the sun is not so strong and, thus, there are no risks associated with exposure.
The main benefits of the sun include:
1. Increase Vitamin D production
Exposure to the sun is the main form of production of vitamin D by the body, which is essential in several ways for the body, such as:
- Increases calcium levels in the body, which is important for strengthening bones and joints;
- Helps prevent the formation of diseases such as osteoporosis, heart disease, autoimmune diseases, diabetes and cancer, especially in the colon, breast, prostate and ovaries, as it reduces the effects of cell transformation;
- Prevents autoimmune diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis, Crohn's disease and multiple sclerosis as it helps to regulate immunity.
The production of vitamin D by exposure to the sun is greater and brings more benefits over time than oral supplementation, using pills. See how to effectively sunbathe to produce vitamin D.
2. Decrease the risk of depression
Exposure to the sun increases the production of endorphins by the brain, a natural antidepressant substance that promotes a feeling of well-being and increases levels of joy.
In addition, sunlight stimulates the transformation of melatonin, a hormone produced during sleep, into serotonin, which is important for good mood.
3. Improve sleep quality
Sunlight helps regulate the sleep cycle, which is when the body understands that it is time to sleep or stay awake, and prevents episodes of insomnia or difficulty falling asleep at night.
4. Protect against infections
Moderate exposure to the sun and at the correct times, helps to regulate the immune system, making it difficult for infection to appear, but also combating skin diseases related to immunity, such as psoriasis, vitiligo and atopic dermatitis.
5. Protect against dangerous radiation
Moderately sunbathing stimulates the production of melanin, which is the hormone that gives the skin the darkest tone, prevents the absorption of more UVB rays, naturally protecting the body against the toxic effects of some of the solar radiation.
Sun care
To obtain these benefits, one should not sunbathe excessively, because in excess, the sun can have harmful health consequences, such as heat stroke, dehydration or skin cancer. In addition, to reduce the risks of exposure to UV rays from the sun, it is recommended to use sunscreen, at least SPF 15, about 15 to 30 minutes before, and replenish every 2 hours.
Find out what are the ways to sunbathe without health risks.
Created by: Tua Saúde Editorial Team