Vitamin D & Sun

Sun is a good source for its vitamin D-boosting benefits.

The sunshine vitamin may protect against a host of diseases, including osteoporosis, heart disease, and cancers of the breast, prostate, and colon. What's more, sunlight has other hidden benefits—like protecting against depression, insomnia, and an overactive immune system.

When the sun's UV-B rays hit the skin, a reaction takes place that enables skin cells to manufacture vitamin D. Experts say going outside for 10 minutes in the midday sun—in shorts and a tank top with no sunscreen—will give you enough radiation to produce about 10,000 international units of the vitamin.

Basking in the warm glow of the sun makes us feel good especially the morning sun. It is especially comfortable and relaxing.

However, more concerns have been put up to the cumulative effects of sun exposure, especially the sun bet. 10am to 4pm, where the sun's ray is the strongest and will put us at higer risk of cellular damage, early wrinkling,age spots, actinic keratose and worst skin cancer.

Hence, always remember to protect yourself by applying sunscren of SPF 30 or higher when outdoors. This would help to prevent sun damage. Wear a hat, sunglasses and cover up with clothing or find shelter under the umbrella when out in the sun.