Britain needs to let the sunshine in
For the last few years a heavy focus on skin cancer has meant many going as far as to wear sun cream throughout winter. However recent research has found that not enough sunshine is equally as detrimental as too much.
A recent study has found a link between lack of sunlight and a higher risk of prostate disease in northern countries. Minimal sunshine exposure can eventually lead to a deficiency in vitamin D, subsequently increasing the risk of diseases such as prostate cancer risk, heart disease and osteoporosis.
The solution for the US government was to advise Americas children to take vitamin D supplements but this was later contradicted by studies showing we need the full spectrum of the sun to stay healthy.
Adults in the UK spend less than 30 minutes outside in an average day and long working hours and technology tends to mean we spend most of our time gazing at a screen of some description.
Additionally, exposure to the sun helps to control melatonin and serotonin, two hormones known to play a part in controlling our moods and for contributing to seasonal-affective disorder. Serotonin, otherwise known as the feel good chemical, takes a particular hit in winter when there is less daylight hours and 90 per cent of people feel happier when they enter periods of increased sunlight.The National Osteoporosis Society recommends 15 to 20 minutes of sun exposure per day.
Read the original article here.