When most people hear the word solar radiation, what generally comes to mind are things like tanning and sunburns. While these things are as a result of over-exposure to solar radiation, there are great health benefits of solar radiation.
In this post, I will discuss those benefits in a more detailed way.
Benefits Of Solar Radiation
- Boost Mood and Lower Stress Levels
We have all felt it at least once in our lives, the feeling of stress that just plagues you day in and day out. It can come from anywhere, maybe a problem at work, a conflict with a friend or loved one, or even a problem with your finances. When we experience stress, our bodies produce cortisol, a hormone that is meant to give us an extra boost in times of crisis. While this is a great biological feat in theory, the reality is that our bodies produce too much cortisol, and the chemical begins to wreak havoc on our muscles, bones and even the way our brains function.
- Promote Better Sleep
Sleep is a time when many of our bodies’ functions and systems are in ‘recovery’ mode, which means that our bodies are repairing damaged tissue, and regenerating new cells to replace dead ones. In order for this to happen, the body must have ample amounts of Vitamin D and melatonin, both of which can be found in higher quantities during periods of exposure to ultraviolet radiation. If you are someone who struggles with getting a good day siesta, you might want to consider taking a 10-minute walk outside before bed.
- Help You Stay Fit and Healthy
Although it might seem counterintuitive, many people actually become healthier and fitter after receiving a large dose of ultraviolet radiation. Studies have shown that people who spend more time in the sun enjoy a drastically reduced risk of contracting skin cancer, and have lower chances of developing heart disease and diabetes. To be clear, I do not mean that you should be spending hours and hours in the sun every day, but a few short bursts of sunlight will help you immensely.
- Help Repair and Regenerate Tissue
I have already talked about how exposure to ultraviolet radiation helps in Vitamin D production, but it also has other positive effects as well. There are a number of metabolites that are released after the body is exposed to ultraviolet radiation. These metabolites help to repair and regenerate tissues like the skin, gastrointestinal tract and even the bones.
Conclusion
Hopefully, this article has helped you understand just how beneficial solar radiation can be for your health. I encourage you to take some time to explore the benefits discussed here in greater detail, as well as to discover the many other ways that exposure to sunlight can positively impact your life.
