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While we all know that excessive exposure to the sun's harmful UVA and UVB rays is harmful for us, especially when it gets to the point where our skin burns, sunlight isn't all bad for us. In fact, we need it for optimal health.
98% of Canadians suffer some Vitamin D deficiency during the long winter months. This is mainly due to the lack of available sunlight and our predisposition to remain indoors during the cold months. And since we do not use Vitamin D supplements adequately, scientists are telling us to get outdoors into the sunlight for 10-15 minutes a day. Your body will thank you.
Sunlight not only lights our way and keeps us warm, but it makes us feel good too. Yes, exposure to sunlight has been shown to improve your mood and overall feelings about the world in general. There is a meteorological factor that plays into February being the hardest month for those suffering from depression. It's typically the month with the least amount of sunlight.
Maintaining our stores of Vitamin D is very important. Vitamin D helps our immune system fight off diseases and infections. It supports stronger bone growth, an important ally in the fight against osteoporosis. Vitamin D also helps our bodies maintain healthy levels of calcium and phosphorous. Early studies are promising and show that the sunlight vitamin also reduces the risks of cancers such as colon and breast cancer by up to 60%.
So although prudence is always in effect when dealing with exposure to sun, getting out there for 10-15 minutes a day to soak in the sun is recommended. Let mother nature do her part to help you and your body live a long, healthy life.
Click on the YouTube icon below for an amazing video on the healing powers of Vitamin D.
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