Sunlight

Sunlight provides vitamin D. Being exposed to sunlight enables your body to make vitamin D from cholesterol in your skin cells. ...

Sunlight strengthens bones. ...

Sunlight kills bacteria. ...

Sunlight may reduce high blood pressure. ...

Sunlight can improve sleep quality. ...

Sunlight boosts mood.

To maintain healthy blood levels, aim to get 10–30 minutes of midday sunlight, several times per week. People with darker skin may need a little more than this.

Exposure to the sun helps our bodies make vitamin D and lack of exposure to the sun can cause a vitamin D deficiency.

In spring and summer, 25 percent of the body (the hands, face, neck, and arms) is exposed to the sun, and in these seasons, about 8 to 10 minutes of sun exposure at noon produces the recommended amount of vitamin D.

Virtually all commercial and automobile glass blocks UVB rays. As a result, you will not be able to increase your vitamin D levels by sitting in front of a sunny window, though much of the UVA radiation will penetrate the glass and may be harmful.

Sign of Vitamin D deficiency:

Getting illnesses or infections more often.

Feeling tired or fatigued.

Hair loss.

Muscle pain.

Lower back pain.

Feelings of depression or low mood.

Wounds that heal slowly following surgery, infection, or injury.

The best sources for vitamin D are the flesh of fatty fish and fish liver oils. Smaller amounts are found in egg yolks, cheese, and beef liver. Certain mushrooms contain some vitamin D2; in addition, some commercially sold mushrooms contain higher amounts of D2 due to intentionally being exposed to high amounts of ultraviolet light. Caffeine inhibits vitamin D receptors, which limit the amount that will be absorbed.

Soak up some Rays!