The Sunshine Vitamin
That’s right, the stuff that helps us absorb calcium to maintain our cells, bones and teeth and support muscle development and our immune system. The vitamin that provides completely free and harmless prevention of osteoporosis, depression, prostate cancer, breast cancer, diabetes, and obesity – all there in the sunlight that we, in Australia, are so fortunate to enjoy.
UVB radiation from the sun converts cholesterol in our skin into vitamin D and yet aren’t we continuously being told that UVB is bad and must be avoided? Well yes, but like most things in life, a balance must be struck. There is no one-rule-fits-all, a lot depends on where you live. The closer you are to the equator, the harsher the sun. So if you live in South Australia you will need more exposure to UVB than those in the North. But, make no mistake – we all need it!
The Right Balance
An easy way to achieve the right balance is to stay covered up and out of the sun when the radiation is at its highest, around the hours of midday (and this applies more during the warmer months). Simple really!
If you are finding it difficult to achieve the right balance, you can take a supplement or try to eat more fatty fish and eggs, although research shows that obtaining sufficient vitamin D through your diet is extremely difficult.
With the health benefits of adequate vitamin D levels so overwhelming, never has there been a better excuse to throw open the doors and step into the sunshine