Shades? SPF50 suncream? Wide-brimmed hat? For decades, we’ve been told to protect ourselves from the sun’s harmful rays to prevent skin cancer and premature aging. But scientists are now questioning whether sunlight has any benefits worth exploring. It’s not just about vitamin D, which is known for its role in bone and teeth health. The sun’s rays have a profound effect on our bodies, from triggering melanin production to releasing stress-relieving substances like beta-endorphin. In fact, studies have shown that people with more sun exposure tend to have longer lifespans and lower rates of non-cancer-related illnesses. So, is there a way to embrace the benefits of sunlight without risking skin cancer?
Our bodies are naturally equipped to harness the sun’s energy. Melanin, the pigment responsible for skin color, is one of the most obvious sun-responsive chemicals in our skin. It absorbs some of the sun’s ultraviolet (UV) rays, protecting our skin cells from DNA damage. However, this protection is limited, and even people with darker skin tones can experience sunburn and other forms of sun damage. Yet, sunlight also triggers the release of beta-endorphin, which contributes to stress relief and pain management. This may explain why many people find sitting in the sun so relaxing.
But sunbathing has its risks. Studies dating back to the late 1920s have linked UV light to an increased risk of skin cancer, as it can cause DNA mutations. Paradoxically, people who are exposed to more sun tend to have longer life expectancies than those who avoid the sun. A large Swedish study found that women who spent more time in the sun lived one to two years longer than those who didn’t, even when accounting for other factors like wealth and exercise. This increased lifespan was attributed to lower rates of cardiovascular disease and other non-cancer-related illnesses. Additional studies, including one among pale-skinned Britons, have identified similar patterns.
Active sunseekers also exhibit a reduced risk of dying from cancer, including skin cancers. Some studies have found that higher vitamin D levels associated with sun exposure improve the prognosis of melanoma patients. Vitamin D plays a crucial role in regulating calcium and phosphorus levels, supporting bone and muscle health, and boosting the immune system. Yet, while vitamin D deficiencies have been linked to various illnesses, large trials on vitamin D supplementation have produced mixed results. Some researchers believe that vitamin D might not be the active agent involved in human disease pathogenesis, but rather a biomarker for sun exposure.
Researchers are now exploring other ways in which the sun’s UV rays affect our health. Excessive sun exposure can suppress immune cells responsible for detecting and destroying damaged cells, which may increase the risk of skin cancer. Surprisingly, immune dampening can also have benefits, moderating overactive immune responses and reducing the risk of autoimmune diseases like multiple sclerosis. Multiple epidemiological studies have established a link between lifetime sunlight exposure and a lower risk of developing multiple sclerosis. Some researchers are even investigating the use of UVB rays in treating the early stages of MS.
Sunlight may have additional health benefits beyond vitamin D and immune modulation. Studies have revealed that UVA rays activate stockpiles of nitric oxide in the skin, leading to a temporary drop in blood pressure. The release of ghrelin, known as the “hunger hormone,” has also been observed in response to sun exposure, and it helps reduce inflammation and blood pressure.
As more evidence emerges for the potential benefits of sunlight, there are calls to reconsider public health advice on sun safety. A group of researchers recently published a review highlighting the significant impact of sunlight on our health and urging doctors and policymakers to reevaluate guidelines. While it’s challenging to determine specific amounts of “safe” sun exposure due to individual variations in skin sensitivity, it’s clear that there may be more to gain from the sun than we previously thought.
Denial of responsibility! Vigour Times is an automatic aggregator of Global media. In each content, the hyperlink to the primary source is specified. All trademarks belong to their rightful owners, and all materials to their authors. For any complaint, please reach us at – [email protected]. We will take necessary action within 24 hours.
