Although we Minnesotans experience sunshine only a few months out of the year, we still need to be concerned that excessive sun exposure could lead to skin issues such as premature aging, sun spots, and even various types of cancers. However, there is also evidence that many diseases, including cancer and tumors, can be prevented and even cured with adequate levels of Vitamin D, the primary source coming from skin being exposed to the sun.
Vitamin D is a fat-soluble vitamin. It is found in some foods but also can be made in the body after exposure to ultraviolet rays from the sun. Vitamin D helps us absorb calcium, and thus helps to form and maintain strong bones and teeth. Without vitamin D, bones start to become thin and brittle.
Vitamin D has long ago been proved to prevent rickets in children and osteoporosis in adults. More recent research has revealed that Vitamin D is associated with the health of internal organs, brain development in infants, autoimmune diseases, tuberculosis, and can even reduce the risk of cancer by up to 60 percent, including breast, colon, skin, stomach and other forms. Many studies also show a strong correlation among populations residing in various parts of the world where those living in northern latitudes produce significantly less vitamin D than those nearer to the equator. These findings have been correlated with those finding rates of major cancers (colon, lung, breast, and prostate) higher in the north than in the south, with survival rates lower in the north than in the south.
Additionally, deficiency or insufficiency of natural sunlight and vitamin D has been associated with the following conditions: Adrenal insufficiency, Alzheimer's, allergies, various autoimmune disorders, multiple sclerosis, rheumatoid arthritis, depression, diabetes, heart disease, infertility, learning and behavior disorders, cavities, obesity, osteopenia, and oasteoporosis, Parkinson's, PMS, and psoriasis.
Studies continue to prove the health benefits of UVB through production of vitamin D are considerable. Experts still agree that it is wise to avoid burning or excess tanning from solar or indoor ultraviolet radiation (UVR); however, solar UVB radiation is the primary source of vitamin D for most Americans and Europeans. Most experts also agree that dietary sources are inadequate and supplements have to be used carefully. Mid-day summer sun is the best source of UVB, since minimal exposure times are required and the UVB to UVA ratio is highest. Since using sunscreen blocks the absorption of vitamin D, experts advise to go into the sun for ten to fifteen minutes without sunscreen which is the amount needed to generate a day's worth of vitamin D.
As for melanoma and other skin cancer, UVR generates free radicals that can do some damage; however, dietary antioxidants and skin pigmentation are nature's way of fighting free radicals. A recent study reported that diets high in antioxidants and low in fats and alcohol can reduce the risk of melanoma by about 50%. Additionally, it is primarily sun burning that causes most of the damage which is generally not the case with only ten to fifteen minutes of sun exposure.
References:
Medical News Today
Sunlight, Nutrition, and Health Resource Center
Natural News
Mercola
Sunlight D
Krispin Sullivan
ABC news
msnbc
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