Fresh Advantages of Sun Exposure (Aside from Vitamin D)
Not long ago, vitamin D was thought to be essential only for strong bones and teeth. Now, it is known to have a wide range of functions throughout the body, highlighting the importance of regular sun exposure or vitamin D supplementation.
Relying solely on vitamin D supplements and avoiding sun exposure could be a significant mistake, as the benefits of sunlight extend beyond just vitamin D.
In a recent discovery, researchers from Georgetown University have identified a new mechanism triggered by the sun that boosts the immune system. This new benefit is not attributed to the sun's ultraviolet rays, but rather its blue rays.
Overview
The team, led by Dr. George Ahern, conducted experiments with blood cell cultures from mice and humans exposed to blue light. They observed that blue light increased the speed of T cells, which are crucial in the immune system for detecting and eliminating pathogens.
Dr. Ahern explained that sunlight directly activates key immune cells by enhancing their movement, essential for responding to infections. Sunlight triggers the production of hydrogen peroxide in T cells, facilitating their mobility to sites of damage.
A large population of T cells resides in the skin, with blue light reaching the dermis to activate these cells. This newfound connection between sunlight and the immune system emphasizes the diverse benefits of sunlight beyond vitamin D.
Avoiding The Sun is as Harmful as Smoking
A study tracking the sun exposure habits of 29,518 Swedish women over twenty years revealed that those with the most sun exposure had a significantly lower death rate compared to sun-avoidant individuals. The study suggests that avoiding sun exposure poses a similar risk to health as smoking.
Pelle Lindqvist, M.D., the study's lead author, emphasized the importance of sun exposure, stating that neglecting it could pose health risks equivalent to smoking, obesity, and inactivity.
Slows Weight Gain and Development of Diabetes
Research by Dr. Richard Weller and his team from the University of Edinburgh highlighted the cardiovascular benefits of sunlight independent of vitamin D. Sun exposure triggers the release of nitric oxide, benefiting heart health by dilating blood vessels and reducing the risk of heart-related issues.
Dr. Weller's group also discovered that UV exposure from sunlight slowed weight gain and the onset of type 2 diabetes in obese mice, with increased nitric oxide production being a potential explanation for these effects.
Sunlight Affects Our Genes
A study from Cambridge University found that the expression of a significant portion of our genes varies seasonally, with anti-inflammatory genes increasing in summer and inflammatory genes in winter. Sunlight exposure may prompt an anti-inflammatory response due to its impact on gene expression.
Dr. Weller noted that sunlight not only influences nitric oxide production but also alters gene behavior, potentially contributing to better overall health. Many researchers now advocate for regular sun exposure for general well-being, emphasizing the importance of sun safety to prevent sunburn.