chrispatrick on Nostr: Rainy Day on the Sunshine Coast It’s still worth spending time outdoors, even on a ...
Rainy Day on the Sunshine Coast
It’s still worth spending time outdoors, even on a cloudy day.
There’s less infrared and UVB light, but plenty of UVA.
UVA light is available year-round, even in regions closer to the poles, and it offers several health benefits:
1. Protects against heart disease
UVA exposure stimulates the release of nitric oxide (NO) from the skin, the most powerful protective substance for heart health.
NO relaxes blood vessels, lowering blood pressure, and acts as a natural anticoagulant, reducing the risk of blood clots and heart disease.
Most cardiologists don't even know this.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19797169
2. Improves metabolic health
UVA light activates the pro-opiomelanocortin (POMC) gene, producing neuropeptides ACTH, and alpha MSH, which reduce appetite, increase fat burning and thyroid activity. It also supports leptin function at night telling your body how much energy it has available.
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6500576/
3. Mood Enhancement & better sleep
UVA light increases β-endorphin production through POMC activation, boosting mood (similar to a runner's high) and lowering cortisol (the stress hormone).
Additionally, UVA light transforms dietary amino acids into key neurotransmitters:
Tryptophan → Serotonin → Melatonin (for mood and sleep)
Tyrosine → Dopamine & Norepinephrine (for motivation and focus)
These amino acids come primarily from meat, eggs, dairy, and seafood,
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5905393/
4. Immune System Regulation:
Lowers inflammation and helps to ease autoimmune skin conditions like psoriasis and eczema.
5. Skin Protection:
Darkens existing melanin in the skin, providing a mild tan that offers more protection against deeper UV damage.
It also stimulates the production of more Melanin over time.
https://www.cell.com/current-biology/fulltext/S0960-9822(11)01086-4?_returnURL=https%3A%2F%2Flinkinghub.elsevier.com%2Fretrieve%2Fpii%2FS0960982211010864%3Fshowall%3Dtrue
6. Circadian Rhythm Support:
Morning and evening exposure helps to regulate the body’s internal clock, improving sleep quality and energy levels.
7. Antimicrobial Effects:
UVA has mild germ-killing properties that may help reduce skin infections caused by bacteria or fungi.
https://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0237782
I’m only scratching the surface here, but I thought I’d share a few powerful benefits of UVA light.
It’s still worth spending time outdoors, even on a cloudy day.
There’s less infrared and UVB light, but plenty of UVA.
UVA light is available year-round, even in regions closer to the poles, and it offers several health benefits:
1. Protects against heart disease
UVA exposure stimulates the release of nitric oxide (NO) from the skin, the most powerful protective substance for heart health.
NO relaxes blood vessels, lowering blood pressure, and acts as a natural anticoagulant, reducing the risk of blood clots and heart disease.
Most cardiologists don't even know this.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19797169
2. Improves metabolic health
UVA light activates the pro-opiomelanocortin (POMC) gene, producing neuropeptides ACTH, and alpha MSH, which reduce appetite, increase fat burning and thyroid activity. It also supports leptin function at night telling your body how much energy it has available.
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6500576/
3. Mood Enhancement & better sleep
UVA light increases β-endorphin production through POMC activation, boosting mood (similar to a runner's high) and lowering cortisol (the stress hormone).
Additionally, UVA light transforms dietary amino acids into key neurotransmitters:
Tryptophan → Serotonin → Melatonin (for mood and sleep)
Tyrosine → Dopamine & Norepinephrine (for motivation and focus)
These amino acids come primarily from meat, eggs, dairy, and seafood,
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5905393/
4. Immune System Regulation:
Lowers inflammation and helps to ease autoimmune skin conditions like psoriasis and eczema.
5. Skin Protection:
Darkens existing melanin in the skin, providing a mild tan that offers more protection against deeper UV damage.
It also stimulates the production of more Melanin over time.
https://www.cell.com/current-biology/fulltext/S0960-9822(11)01086-4?_returnURL=https%3A%2F%2Flinkinghub.elsevier.com%2Fretrieve%2Fpii%2FS0960982211010864%3Fshowall%3Dtrue
6. Circadian Rhythm Support:
Morning and evening exposure helps to regulate the body’s internal clock, improving sleep quality and energy levels.
7. Antimicrobial Effects:
UVA has mild germ-killing properties that may help reduce skin infections caused by bacteria or fungi.
https://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0237782
I’m only scratching the surface here, but I thought I’d share a few powerful benefits of UVA light.