Sunlight May Increase Life Expectancy

We're all in search of the fountain of youth; a miracle that will keep us healthy, youthful, and vibrant for longer. But does such a fountain of youth exist and if it does will it ever be found?

The truth is there are many things that can increase life expectancy and keep us healthy and full of life for much longer than most of us experience right now.

One thing that may increase life expectancy is sunlight.

Sunlight may increase life expectancy: The connection between life and light

When you plant a seed, you place it in the soil and pour water over it to help it grow. But in order for the seed to sprout and become a healthy plant, another vital ingredient is needed.

Sunlight is required for plants to grow. Without sunlight there would be no food to eat, there would be no plants and trees. In short there would be nothing, no life.

Life requires sunlight. This is apparent in everything we see. Because life and sunlight are so intricately connected, it makes sense that sunlight may increase life expectancy.

Sunlight may increase life expectancy: the life extending properties of sunlight

We know sunlight is vital to life, but what exactly is it about sunlight that can increase life expectancy?

One very important thing we get from sunlight that may increase life expectancy is vitamin D. According to an article titled, Simple Steps to Increase Your Life Expectancy, "This vitamin...is essential for bone health and is turning out to be important in depression, heart disease, diabetes and just about everything."

When you consider the fact that heart disease is the number one killer in the United States, and diabetes can also dramatically shorten life expectancy, the importance of vitamin D is apparent.

More and more we're realizing the negative affect stress and depression has on our health and wellbeing. Vitamin D is known to promote a healthy mental and emotional outlook and may therefore increase life expectancy by reducing stress and it's harmful effects.

In his book, Secrets to Longevity: Hundreds of Ways to Live to be 100, Dr. Maoshing Ni says "The ultraviolet rays of the sun are a natural sterilizer, killing bacteria and fungus on the skin...it can also stimulate the immune system."

Since our ability to fight off disease is absolutely vital to our health and quality of life, you can see how the boosting of the immune system and sterilizing affects of sunlight may increase life expectancy.

Sunlight may increase life expectancy: opposing arguments

What about the harmful effects increased exposure to sunlight can have, such as skin cancer?

Whereas spending too much time in direct sunlight can be dangerous, spending about 15 minutes a day is not usually harmful (although this may vary depending on the person and their current state of health). And 15 minutes a day may be all that's required to get the necessary amounts of vitamin D, and other benefits sunlight provides.

If a person is going to be in direct sunlight for more than 15 minutes, taking precautionary measures such as applying sunscreen and wearing protective clothing is important.

Sunlight may increase life expectancy: a final note

If you'd like to experience the positive effects of sunlight and possibly increase life expectancy, but are a little weary about the potential harmful effects of exposure to sunlight, it's a good idea to speak to your physician and discuss how much sunlight is safe and healthy for you.

Sources:

Mark Stibich, Ph.D, Simple Steps to Increase Your Life Expectancy, about.com

Dr. Maoshing Ni, Secrets of Longevity: Hundreds of Ways to Live to be 100, pg 194 under subheading "The Sun: Friend or Foe"