poppies in the sun
Sunshine benefits plants and people alike – just remember to wear sunscreen. (Photo: Pixabay)

The weather is getting hotter than ever. In fact, the National Environment Agency reported that March, the month that just passed, is the driest and second warmest on record, and the daily maximum temperature for the next two weeks is expected to be between 33 and 35 deg C.

But there are advantages to being outdoors, as vitamin D is produced from sunlight. Vitamin D has a host of benefits, including promoting healthy bones. Just remember to slather on sunscreen when you step outdoors, reapplying it when necessary.

Related: 8 Of The Best Sunscreens To Combat The Heatwave

Sunshine will help you…

Survive A Serious Illness
Keeping your vitamin D topped up could tip the odds in your favour if you’re diagnosed with a serious illness such as cancer and heart disease. Research proves that people with bowel cancer halve their risk of dying when their vitamin D levels are elevated.

Protect Against Dementia
It’s all thanks to the sun’s impact on vitamin D levels, because even a moderate deficiency can increase your risk of dementia by 53 per cent – and the risk grows the more deficient you are.

Stay Slimmer
A link has been found between exposure to early morning sunshine and maintaining a healthy weight. It’s down to the sunlight’s ability to keep the internal body clock in sync, which regulates metabolism and influences weight gain.

Lower Your Blood Pressure
When skin is exposed to sunlight, a pressure-reducing compound called nitric oxide is released in the blood vessels. The beneficial effect, which may also help lower heart attack and stroke risk, is due to nitric oxide’s ability to dilate blood vessels, say researchers.

Text: Good Health, Bauer Syndication. Additional Reporting: Zarelda Marie Goh