Mrs. White had a lot to say about the benefits of sunlight. She described it as “one of nature’s most healing agents. It is a very simple, therefore not a fashionable remedy, to enjoy the rays of God’s sunlight…”, and “sunlight is one of the best tonics and beautifiers in the world; therefore, men, women, and children, one and all, should seek it as one of the great natural agencies which help to form the ‘elixir of life.'” She even wrote about women of the 1800’s being afraid to venture out into the sunny outdoors without covering with umbrellas to keep their skin as white as possible- she described their look as one of pale sickliness in contrast to a sun-kissed skin tone “blooming with… sparkling hues of health.” [HR April 1871].
She knew that sun exposure was essential for health, but her opinion was very unpopular. Americans in the 19th century valued pale, white skin. This made them avoid the sun whenever possible. But scientists today know that sunlight is essential for the health and well-being of the mind and body. A recent study from the University of Edinburgh found that higher levels of UV exposure were associated with a drop in deaths from heart disease and cancer in people living in low-sunlight countries.
With sun exposure, your skin produces vitamin D. Sunlight causes our brains to produce the “feel-good” hormone serotonin that reduces anxiety and depression. Sunlight reduces pain, improves mood, boosts the immune system, helps wounds and arthritic joints heal, strengthens bones and teeth, and eases eczema and psoriasis. It can relax arteries which lowers blood pressure while improving cardiovascular health. It reduces the risks for type 1 (or juvenile) diabetes, cancer, Alzheimer’s disease, and other dementias. Vitamin D supplements are not effective replacements for the sun.
While Adventists try to incorporate a sensible dose of regular sunlight into their routines, too much of this good thing can lead to skin cancer, sunburn and sunstroke, so avoid being in direct sunlight for too long from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. when the power of the sun reaches its height. Sensible use of sunshine is another practice that keeps SDAs on the Blue Zone list.