What are the benefits of sunlight?
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Leesduur: 3 min
Almost everyone loves a bit of sunlight. As soon as the sun starts shining, you often feel much happier and have more energy. But how does this actually happen? In this article, I'll explain the benefits of sunlight!
Sunlight increases serotonin production, which improves and calms your mood.
UVB rays help your skin produce vitamin D, essential for bones, the immune system, and muscle function.
Lack of sunlight or dark skin increases the risk of a deficiency; vitamin D supplements may then provide a solution.
Sunlight and serotonin
You often hear that the sun can be very damaging to your skin. But did you know that the sun can actually have benefits for your mood? I'll try to explain this for you.
Sunlight and darkness trigger the release of certain hormones in your brain. When you're exposed to sunlight, serotonin release increases. Serotonin is also known as the happiness hormone. It's linked to your mood and can help you feel calm. Serotonin also has many other functions.
When it gets dark outside, melatonin production increases. This is the hormone responsible for sleep.
Without enough sun exposure, your serotonin levels may drop. Low serotonin levels are linked to lower self-esteem and a lack of well-being.
Mental health in winter
Reduced sun exposure has been linked to a drop in serotonin levels. This means you're much more likely to feel unwell in the winter, which is often the case.
How exactly does this happen? Well… Sunlight is absorbed through your eyes. Here, certain areas of your retina are stimulated, which triggers the release of serotonin. Days are shorter in winter, which explains this drop in serotonin levels.
Sunlight and vitamin D
There's a good reason vitamin D is called "the sunshine vitamin." When your skin is exposed to sunlight, it produces vitamin D from cholesterol. Let me explain how this works…
The sun's ultraviolet B (UVB) rays hit cholesterol in the skin cells, providing energy for the synthesis of vitamin D.
Did you know? People with tanned or dark skin produce less (or less quickly) vitamin D from sunlight.
Vitamin D plays many roles in the body and is essential for optimal health. For example, vitamin D is crucial for calcium absorption from food and for the development and maintenance of strong bones. This vitamin also has a beneficial effect on the immune system and, along with other nutrients, contributes to healthy muscle function.
Want to boost your immune system? Then read our article " 6 Natural Ways to Boost Your Immune System."
If you don't get enough sunlight, for example, if you have an office job, it's often recommended to take a vitamin D supplement. UVB rays from the sun can't penetrate windows. So people who work next to sunny windows are still susceptible to vitamin D deficiency.
What is the best time to get sunlight?
The afternoon, especially in summer, is the best time to get sunlight. That's when the sun is at its highest point and UVB rays are most intense. This means you need less time in the sun to produce sufficient vitamin D.
Many studies also show that the body is most efficient at producing vitamin D in the afternoon.
Tip: In the Netherlands, about 15 minutes of afternoon sunlight exposure three times a week during the summer is sufficient to maintain healthy levels among white adults.
The benefits of sunlight
In summary, sunlight offers several health benefits. First, you produce more serotonin when you get enough sunlight. Too little sunlight can lead to a serotonin deficiency. Furthermore, you produce more vitamin D when you get enough sunlight. Too little sunlight can also lead to a vitamin D deficiency.
Vitamin D3
Do you have insufficient sunlight exposure, for example due to an office job, or do you have dark/tan skin? Then it's advisable to take a vitamin D supplement! Reduced vitamin D production is almost impossible to compensate for with food. Vitamin D3 is the solution!
- Highly absorbable form of vitamin D3 - Cholecalciferol
- Just one pack lasts 200 days
- Safely dosed & 100% natural
