Why the Sun is Good for Your Health

Who doesn’t love those long, warm summer days? Summer is just around the corner and with it comes the longest day of the year — the summer solstice. That’s when the sun reaches the highest point in the sky and we get the maximum amount of daylight (in the northern hemisphere). Over the course of history the summer solstice has been culturally significant with different holidays, festivals and rituals happening on that (long) day. Who doesn’t want to celebrate the sun? In honour of the warmest and most carefree season, we dug into why the sun is good for your health.

Happy Rays

Exposure to sunlight helps produce serotonin, the feel-good chemical. Also, when you have a lack of sunlight your circadian rhythm, a.k.a. your internal clock, is thrown off. When that happens your brain can produce too much sleep hormone (melatonin) and not enough of that happy pappy serotonin, write Harvard University.

The Sunshine Vitamin

The sun actually turns a chemical in your skin into vitamin D that your body can use. That’s what sets it apart from other vitamins that you get through consuming foods that contain those vitamins. There are some foods that contain vitamin D—like fish and egg yolks—but they aren’t many and even when consumed your body needs to transform it for you.

What’s so important about vitamin D?

• It helps your body absorb calcium, thereby increasing bone health.
• Vitamin D deficiencies can lead to increase risk of osteoporosis and bone fractures.
• Studies have shown vitamin D to help reduce cancer cell growth.
• Vitamin D boosts your immune system, and the immune system has vitamin D receptors.

It’s important to remember that vitamin D is what we call a fat-soluble vitamin, so it’s possible to intake too much. If you’re considering taking a supplement check with your medical professional.

You’re more productive

Studies have shown that working in natural light as opposed artificial lighting can improve productivity and work performance. People have (not unsurprisingly) been found to prefer having their desk near windows with natural light. One study also found that people working for 20 minutes in an private office with a large window during the day had a small but significant reduction in their negativity. Let the sunshine in!

~Don’t Forget Sun Protection~

While the sun is great for you in so many ways, it’s important to remember to protect yourself. Be sure to wear sunscreen. Cover up when you’re outside, especially when the sun is at its hottest: between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. Did you accidentally let the sun love you a little too much? You can always try for some natural relief with our After Sun Butter, formulated with soothing Aloe, Lavender and Calendula to help nourish your skin.

Are you a sun seeker? What do you love about the sunshine?