I don’t know about you but I love the sun… When you live in Minnesota you have a very small window of opportunity to really take in the sun for all it’s worth.
When I started my weight loss journey I had some blood work done. One of the test discovered that my Vitamin D level was low, very low. So how the heck to you get vitamin D? For the very best source…. The SUN!
For years, I’ve heard that sunbathing is bad for you and that you should avoid it at all costs. That is, unless you have to be out for some reason in the noonday sun, and then – you better use some ultra-high SPF sunscreen and wear a hat. Otherwise, you are setting yourself up for developing the most deadly form of skin cancer, malignant melanoma. Why, even the name sends shivers down your spine.
While doing some research on how to improve my vitamin D level I found some interesting things.
Believe it or not, the sun can actually be good for you. U.S. scientist Richard Setlow, who initially warned of the dangers of sun exposure and increased risk of skin cancer now says, “Not so fast!” It appears that the benefits of moderate sun exposure may actually outweigh some of the risks. The key word here is “moderate.”
Our bodies NEED Vitamin D and sunlight provides a natural source of it. Vitamin D protects against deadly forms of internal cancer, including those of the breast, lung, colon and prostate. It also is a key vitamin in the prevention of heart disease, diabetes, high blood pressure, schizophrenia and multiple sclerosis and a fundamental ingredient for bone health.
So, how do you minimize the risks of external malignant melanoma, while soaking in enough Vitamin D to minimize the risks of developing these other serious internal conditions?
Moderation is the key. Spend 20 minutes in the sun, with your hands, arms and face exposed, to get the necessary daily dose of Vitamin D. If you remain any longer, wear a hat and apply high SPF sunscreen frequently. During the cooler months of the year, increase your Vitamin D intake with supplements and foods, such as fish and liver.
Scientists are also being challenged to create better sunscreens that continue to filter out the damaging radiation (UVA rays), while allowing more Vitamin D-stimulating radiation (UVB rays) to soak through the skin. Until then…….moderation is the key.
Here is fun fact for you to learn when the best time to get vitamin D in your area:
I checked Eden Prairie, Minnesota. In the year 2015 the earliest that you can get Vitamin D from the sun is April 1st. The last day is September 9.
April 1st 12:00-12:30 (1st day you can get Vitamin D from the sun)
- May 1st 10:00AM- 2:10PM
- June 1st 9:30AM-2:50PM
- July 1st 9:40AM-3:00PM
- Aug 1st 10:00AM-2:40-PM
- Sept1 11:10AM-1:20PM
- Sept 9 11:50AM-12:30PM (last day)
You can click here: https://aa.usno.navy.mil/data/docs/AltAz.php
or google USNO sun azimuth table and go on the website to plug in any date and city to find out what time of day you can get Vitamin D from the sun. The sun has to be at 50 degrees in altitude for you skin to produce Vitamin D.
Remember, your skin will produce 10,000 I.U. of Vitamin of in just 15 minutes of peak sun exposure!
So bring on the sunshine!!!!!