We know we don’t always get the greatest weather in the UK, and the last few weeks have been testament to that! But when the sun does shine we all really should get out and enjoy it. Not only because it is so much nicer to be out in the fresh air feeling the warmth of the sun on our skin, but also, because it can have great health benefits too!

The best-known health benefit of sunlight is its ability to boost your vitamin D levels in our bodies.

So, why is vitamin D important? Well, along side it being is a fat-soluble vitamin that can affect as many as 2,000 genes in the body! it can…

Help strengthen our bones. Vitamin D regulates the absorption of calcium and phosphorous levels in our bodies and facilitates normal immune system functions. It is important for normal growth and development of teeth and bones.

Not getting enough vitamin D? Then you are at risk of bone abnormalities including osteomalacia (soft bones) or osteoporosis (fragile bones).

So how do you get it? Our bodies produce it naturally through exposure to sunlight. A simply 10 minute walk in the sun is enough for most people. You can of course get Vitamin D through food too.

The Sun can also help…

With skin disorders. Some skin disorders such as psoriasis can be controlled through controlled exposure to sunlight – just remember to be sun safe too!

Improve your mood. Sunlight stimulates endorphins and serotonin levels which help lift the mood and can help with depression. Reduced levels of serotonin are important in the development of Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD). On sunny days, the brain produces more of this mood-lifting chemical serotonin than on darker days.

Fight off cancer. We all know that over-exposure to the sun can lead to some types of skin cancer, however research shows sunlight (and Vitamin D) may help protect against other cancers such as breast and colon.

With sleep. Daytime exposure to sunlight increases the natural production of melatonin (a hormone that helps you to sleep) at night, thus providing you with a better nights sleep….. ZZzzz

So get out there and enjoy the sun when you can, just remember to enjoy it safely!