Vitamin D and other positive effects of the Sun

Vitamin D3 synthesis:

Apart from being one of the life sustaining forces of earth, sunlight and the Ultra Violet light on skin is essential for us to survive. The metabolism of nearly every system in the human body is influenced positively by the synthesis of the sun hormone vitamin D3 which only occurs when UV light falls on the skin. You don't need a tan to synthesise the sun hormone as less UV light is required for Vitamin D3 synthesis than is needed for a tan. It seems that nature has this way of saying 'some sunshine is good for you'. And guess what? Your skin cannot differentiate between sunshine and sunbeds!

Approximately 5% of energy of sunlight reaching earth's surface is in the form of ultraviolet rays. Perhaps 45% of sunlight is just heat energy called infra red radiation. 50% is in the form of visible light energy. Usually people can receive 80% of their lifetime sun exposure by the age of 18. (So protection is important for children as sunburn before the age of 16, has been linked to Melanoma later in life.)

Recent scientific studies are always bringing us up-to-date news and from different 'ology' departments too. (This news is from the National Radiological Protection Board-endocrinologist.) One of the benefits of UV radiation on the skin is the promotion of the production of endorphins, specifically beta-endorphins. These are regarded as the bodies own production of morphine. Endorphin means 'endogenous morphine'. This creates a sense of well-being within us. UV also helps reduce blood pressure. Apparently the further you are from the equator, the higher the blood pressure. 

The positive effects of Vitamin D: The latest word

The positive effect of light itself influences our biological clock and could combat jetlag. Vitamin D is by far the most positive effect on the body from the sun (or indoor tanning, although natural sunlight is better-but not to get burned on either.) The fact that vitamin D is more important for strong bones and teeth is becoming very obvious. Exposures to UVB results in the skin producing pro-vitamin D which can be stored in the skin and later converted to Vitamin D by the kidneys, as required. Estimation of 90% to 95% of vitamin D needs are supplied by sunlight. Vitamin D made in the body and vitamin D from food additives may seem similar but vitamin D production in the skin occurs in such as way that our bodies profit. A number of 'by-products' are created which seem valuable to the body and which you don't get in the vitamin D food additive supply alone. It's also believed that vitamin D plays an important role in the fight against prostate, breast and colon cancer because of the influence on cell division; which in turn helps psoriasis sufferers, as vitamin D contributes to the slowing down of cell divisions.

Research for NASA the space exploration agency is intriguing. Apparently bone mass is considerably reduced during time in space. Loss of gravity is a major contributing factor but daylight deprivation - UV radiation, something which many people working constantly indoors in offices etc may experience, could produce vitamin D deprivation. Perhaps in the future, our homes and offices may be equipped with light giving UV radiation for our health's sake. 

All of this gives us more to consider as the future definitely opens up with new research and positive scientific proof, when that occurs. Till then let's do what we've always done in our northern hemisphere lands. When the sun shines - get out in it when you can and do what that sensational sun tells us to do the most - relax.

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