The sunscreen industry is an $11 billion a year business.

It thrives on you being afraid of the sun.

Here's 7 reasons your body needs you to embrace the sun not fear it:

1) Longevity

Avoiding the sun is a risk factor for all cause mortality and may be as detrimental as smoking.

Build up your tolerance slowly by:
-Avoid getting sunburned
-Start off with 10 minutes/day
-Expose a bigger surface area but for less time

2) Cancer protection

Yes, you read that right.

Lack of sun exposure increases your risk of several cancers including:
-Colon
-Breast
-Ovarian
-Prostate
-Pancreatic

Regular sun exposure can reduce your risk of these cancers by as much as 50-77%

3) Immune system

UV light and vitamin D regulate and strengthen the immune system.

UVB light prevents excessive inflammation decreasing the risk and suppressing symptoms of:
-MS
-Lupus
-Rheumatoid Arthritis

Those at higher latitudes are at higher risk for autoimmune diseases.

4) Brain function

Sunlight improves alertness and focus.

Large numbers of vitamin D receptors are found in areas of the brain associated with:
-Memory
-Planning
-Processing

Low vitamin D levels are connected to mental health issues including:
-Anxiety
-Alzheimer's
-Depression

5) Circadian rhythm

The suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN) in your brain tells your body the time of day.

It receives all of its messages from the eye.

Proper sunlight during the day regulates:
-Sleep wake cycles
-Hormone release
-Body temperature

6) Vitamin D levels

Vitamin D is created in the skin through exposure to UVB radiation in sunlight.

Vitamin D controls flow of calcium in & out of bones but that's just the start.

It has a role in the function of over 1,000 genes that impact nearly ever tissue in the body.

7) Mental health

Sun exposure increases serotonin levels to improve:

-Mood
-Focus
-Overall well being

Stimulates beta-endorphins in skin decreasing stress and creating a natural painkiller effect.

7 reasons you need more sun:

1) Provides vitamin D
2) Increases longevity
3) Boosts Immune system
4) Improves mental health
5) Stimulates brain function
6) Provides cancer protection
7) Regulates circadian rhythm

I hope you enjoyed reading this:

If you learned something and found value in it, please retweet so others can learn as well.

Follow me @chrisboettcher9 for more on taking back control of your health.