Sunlight

Without sunshine everything would die. Every living thing in this world depends on the sun for survival. Green plants cannot grow without sunlight and warmth. Without plant life there would be no food for animals or mankind. The sun helps provide the rain that plants need for growth. Heat from the sun lifts moisture into the air; and the moisture turns into rain that waters the fields and forests.

Everyone would have to admit that the sun is a very important object in the sky, but what about its practical benefits to me? and how can I receive better health from proper exposure?

BENEFITS OF SUNLIGHT

In the late 1800's it was discovered that sunlight can destroy harmful bacteria. Today sunlight is still used to treat bacterial infections. It disinfects and destroys bacterial viruses and molds, and increases the body's immune system. Other benefits are as follows:

Lowers your respiratory rate and blood pressure.
Increases white blood cells, which identify and destroy all substances, which are enemies of the body.
Decreases your resting heart rate.
Increases the capacity of the blood to carry more oxygen to body tissues.
Helps asthma patients breathe more freely.
Decreases cholesterol and high blood sugars.
Valuable in forming strong bones and teeth.

HOW MUCH SUN DO I NEED, AND HOW MUCH IS TOO MUCH?

If you are on the S.A.D. diet (Standard American Diet), eating too much fat and not enough fresh fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, you may need to be more careful.

Dr. Zane Kime, in his book Sunlight, wrote this on page 117: ". . . sunbathing is dangerous for those who are on the standard high-fat American diet or do not get an abundance of vegetables, whole grains, and fresh fruits. Those on the standard high-fat diet should stay out of the sun and protect themselves from it; but at the same time they will suffer the consequences of both the high-fat diet and the deficiency of sunlight." (The problem is skin cancer.)

GET OUTSIDE IN THE SUNSHINE

Nature's plan seems to have been that man should generate most of his supply of vitamin D from sunlight, because there is less of it in foods than any other vitamin. You must get outside to enjoy the benefits of sunlight since window glass blocks over 95% of the ultraviolet rays. Exposing a six-inch square of skin to sunlight for one hour is all you need, but the body has the ability to store the excess. The best time to sunbathe is before 11 a.m. and after 3 p.m., or when your shadow is at least as long as you are tall.

One noted author says this: "Dispense with heavy curtains, open the windows and blinds, allow no vines, however beautiful, to shade the windows, and permit no trees to stand so near the house as to shut out the sunshine. The sunlight may fade the drapery and the carpets, and tarnish the picture frames; but it will bring a healthy glow to the cheeks of the children." The Ministry of Healing, p. 275, White.

At all times we must remember that exposure to sunshine must be gradual and moderate. Let's enjoy the healing gift that has been given us in the sun!