The bright side of sunshine

Don't hide from nature's gift for good health

- DR SARAH MYHILL

ALL life exists under the sun and harnesses its rays to benefit its many forms.

Humans evolved in Africa exposed to 12 hours of daily, strong sunshine. This is essential for the synthesis of vitamin D from the action of ultraviolet light on cholesterol in the skin.

So important is this process that, as humans migrated north, skins became paler in order that, as light intensity fell, vitamin D could be synthesised even faster. Sunshine is vital to all life.

The entire spectrum of light from sunshine is employed by the body to its advantage.

Far infrared, near-infrared and red light are antimicrobial and help to kill all infections, the former also stimulating melatonin production in the gut.

Sunshine also improves energy delivery mechanisms via its effect on mitochondrial function and circulation.