It’s a gift that’s given to every one of us when we’re born. And it’s the best kind of gift, which is one that keeps on giving. In fact, this one never runs out.
This present comes with powerful, healthy side effects. You never have to pay for it. And no one can take it away from you.
The trouble is modern society has built a lifestyle centered around AVOIDING this birthright. Even worse, this fantastic gift has been labeled dangerous and is now, essentially, “forbidden.”
I’m talking about sunshine, of course. Which, despite the doom and gloom, science has repeatedly proven to deliver specific health benefits.
And new research reveals yet another reason for women in particular to reclaim this inheritance. The study finds sun exposure could help us effortlessly slash our breast cancer risk– especially if we’re a little older.
The sun could help REDUCE cancer risk
Now, typically when we discuss sun benefits, it’s all about vitamin D. And it’s true, D IS indeed critical for good health.
In fact, there’s a good chance the sunshine vitamin could turn out to be the secret ingredient behind this newly revealed benefit.
But this illuminating new study didn’t focus on D specifically. Instead, the researchers concentrated on overall sun exposure. And what they found flips those anti-sun arguments on their head.
Because it appears that the women who spent the MOST time working outdoors over the years had some solar-powered protection from breast cancer.
Overall, that extra time outside was linked to a 17 percent LOWER risk of breast cancer after 50. In fact, women who worked 20 years or more outdoors in the sunshine had the lowest risk of all.
More research is needed, of course. And this wasn’t a study designed to show direct cause and effect… which would be tough to do in this case. But it’s already yet another feather in the sun’s cap.
Sunshine helps us stay healthy
It’s clear we shouldn’t be hiding from the sun but embracing this gift instead. Getting a bit more sunshine won’t just potentially reduce your breast cancer risk alone. There are other sun benefits you can reap regardless of your age.
You likely already know that sunshine stimulates the production of vitamin D inside your body. And that can help fight cancer, strengthen bone, reduce diabetes risk, enhance your immune system, and so much more.
In fact, it’s no coincidence that as society has moved indoors and demonized sunshine, we’ve seen a dramatic rise in certain chronic diseases, including cancer, heart disease, and diabetes. Research shows you’re more likely to develop all three when you’re D deficient.
And sunlight has two other key benefits:
- Sun activates the “feel-good” hormone serotonin, which helps lift our mood and keeps us bright-eyed and bushy-tailed during the day. And the sun setting triggers the release of the “sleep” hormone melatonin. This helps prepare us to hit the hay so our bodies can get to work repairing damage and clearing out toxins while we catch some zzzs.
- Sun triggers your body to crank out nitric oxide, which helps pop open blood vessels. This enhances circulation and helps to protect your heart.
Responsible sun exposure is the name of the game. If you overdo it, you can end up sunburned. And over time, that could increase your skin cancer risk.
But the best way to avoid burning ISN’T to slather your whole body with sunscreen before stepping out. This blocks your skin from making vital vitamin D.
Instead, apply some common sense. Put on a long-sleeve shirt and hat, or seek shade after about 15-20 minutes of direct exposure. That way, you can top up your D levels AND protect your skin.
If that’s not possible, then use a mineral-based sunscreen instead of a chemical goop, which can come with cancer risks of its own.
Click here to discover 8 surprising signs you’re low in vitamin D.
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