Extra benefits of sunlight

Sunlight helps release a key hormone, serotonin, into the brain. Serotonin is associated with boosting our mood, while its reduced levels increase the risk of depression. In addition, with the help of sunlight, the functions and the biological clock of our body are regulated. The sun speeds up the metabolism and has a positive effect on our immune and circulatory system. Through our exposure to sunlight, our well-being is enhanced and our overall health is improved.

Also, when we are exposed to the sun, our skin becomes tanned. Of course, tanning is the reaction of our skin, in order to protect itself from the harmful effects of the sun. When our skin is exposed to sunlight, UV activates the production of a pigment which is known as melanin. This pigment protects our skin from damage that may be suffered by the sun’s ultraviolet rays. However, we need to always have sun protection when sunbathing.

Potential risks to our health from sunlight

Nevertheless, prolonged and excessive exposure to sunlight is associated with various health problems. UVA radiation penetrates deep into the skin, where it may indirectly lead to skin cancer. Furthermore, increased UVB radiation, which also destroys DNA, is responsible for causing sunburn. Both forms of radiation are capable of damaging collagen fibers, destroying Vitamin A in the skin, and accelerating cellular aging.

Also, due to constant exposure to the sun, cataracts and diseases that are exacerbated by UVR-induced immunosuppression, such as reactivation of some viruses, may occur. Early reports on the association of sun exposure with skin cancer began to appear in dermatological publications in the late 19th century and by 1930 people began to be constantly informed by the U.S. Department of Public Health about the dangers of the sun to human health. Today, the three main types of skin cancer include melanoma, basal cell carcinoma, and squamous cell carcinoma. Increased exposure to UVR radiation is largely responsible for the development of all three types of cancer.

Of course, it should be noted that, according to the 2006 report of the World Health Organization (WHO), increased exposure to ultraviolet radiation represents only 0.1% of total world health in the form of disease. The epidemiologist at the National Center for Epidemiology and Population Health in Canberra, Australia, Dr. Robyn Lucas points out that various conditions that are associated with overexposure to the sun tend to be relatively benign. The exception is melanoma, which mainly affects older people.

In the same report of the World Health Organization, in fact, it was argued that several diseases can be the result of extremely reduced exposure to ultraviolet radiation. For example, cancers such as Hodgkin’s lymphoma, cancer of the ovaries, breast, pancreas, colon, prostate and other organs may occur due to our body’s minimal exposure to sunlight.

So, sun or no-sun?

We are able to realize that sunlight can provide beneficial benefits to our health. However, our body’s over-exposure to ultraviolet radiation has been linked to many health problems, including skin cancer, which is the most serious impact. On the other hand, minimal to no exposure of our body to the sun can also lead to a number of diseases as well.

A wise solution is to embrace and apply the following saying: “the measure is the best”. This also applies to our exposure to sunlight. We need to be exposed to solar radiation in moderation, prudently and at times during the day when the sun’s rays are not particularly harmful. Only in this way will we be able to benefit from the sun, gain the greatest possible benefits for our health and integrate sunlight into our daily lives as a determining factor of a healthy lifestyle.

After all, the health benefits of UVB radiation seem to outweigh the side effects, and the potential risks can be greatly reduced if we carefully manage how we are exposed to UVR radiation. Furthermore, it has been found that reduced consumption of over-processed carbohydrates, reduced sugar intake and increased intake of dietary antioxidants can effectively shield us from the harmful effects that may be caused due to constant sun exposure. Several laboratory studies have shown that antioxidants such as apigenin, proanthocyanidins, polyphenols, curcumin, silymarin, and resveratrol may help prevent UVR-induced skin cancer.

Dr. Nikoleta Koini, M.D.

Doctor of Functional, Preventive, Anti-ageing and Restorative Medicine.
Diplomate and Board Certified in Anti-aging, Preventive, Functional and Regenerative Medicine from A4M (American Academy in Antiaging Medicine).