Summer is just around the corner (June 21 is the official first day), and that means sun, sun and more sun – especially for us Floridians. And while too much of a good thing can be harmful, there is at least one health benefit from the sun's rays: vitamin D.
Your body makes vitamin D when you are exposed to the ultraviolet B (UVB) rays in sunlight. Generally, stepping outside for 5 to 30 minutes (without sunscreen) twice every week should do the trick, and if you plan to stay out longer, make sure to apply some sunscreen to avoid burning. If you're fair skinned, 10 minutes in the midday sun – in shorts and a tank top – should be enough to produce around 10,000 international units of the vitamin (the recommended daily dose is around 1,000 IU each day).
Research has shown that vitamin D deficiency can cause an increased risk of heart disease, high blood pressure, diabetes and even depression. And recent research suggests that low vitamin D levels may double your risk of stroke death. On the contrary, benefits of the vitamin include maintaining calcium balance, boosting the immune system, regulating blood pressure and protecting against diseases like Alzheimer's and cancer.
So get outside and enjoy the season, it's good for you!
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