You have breakfast every morning, get enough sleep and cycle to work. That sounds like a good recipe for more energy. But you are really forgetting one thing: the sun! A healthy portion of sunlight not only gives us a good feeling but also boosts your body and mind in a natural way. So enjoy the sun more often (wisely!) and discover these seven benefits.
1. Sweat and drink more
It may not sound so fresh, but it sure is healthy. The sun makes you sweat faster and that is good for your kidneys. Waste products leave your body through your skin so that your kidneys have a quieter time. The sun also forces us to drink more, because the heat makes you thirsty faster. And drinking a lot of water provides more energy. Of course, this only applies to drinking water; alcohol actually dehydrates your body.
2. Good Blood Pressure
When we are exposed to sunlight, small amounts of nitric oxide are transported from the skin into the bloodstream. As a result, the blood vessels become less stiff and the blood pressure decreases. This was discovered by researchers from the University of Southampton and Edinburgh. The risk of having a heart attack or stroke also decreases. If your blood pressure is normal and especially not too high, you feel better about yourself and you feel fitter at the same time.
3. Wake up rested by the sun
Do you feel tired? Get into the sun! In the summer it is light for longer, so you are more active and get tired less quickly. The quality of your sleep also improves. Studies show that sunlight provides deeper, uninterrupted sleep. And the earlier you catch the first rays of the sun in the morning, the easier it is to fall asleep in the evening and wake up whistling again.
4. Less burden of skin conditions
People who suffer from psoriasis, acne, or eczema often benefit from sunlight. Many skin conditions are calmed by the sun. That’s because your immune system calms down a bit thanks to sunlight, so your skin gets better. Plus: you will also feel better if you suffer less from these complaints.
5. Get rid of stress
There is nothing better than that warm feeling on your skin. UV radiation makes you feel more relaxed. Sunlight creates chemicals that make you feel happier and less stressed. And stress is a major energy guzzler. That is why it is important to sit in the sun every now and then.
6. More Vitamin D
Those who produce too little vitamin D (and almost all of us suffer from this in the Netherlands), can suffer from loss of strength in the muscles, fragile bones, and a lack of energy. The Health Council does not recommend it for anything: try to be outside for 15 minutes to half an hour every day to take in the sun’s rays.
7. Less appetite
Leptin is a hormone that indicates when your stomach is full. With a lot of suns, more leptin will be produced, so that you will be full faster. A full feeling is good for your mood (and prevents extra kilos). More leptin, please!