Sunlight has been getting more than it’s share of bad press lately. When in reality it’s one of the healthiest forces in the universe. In this month’s blog we want to share some perspective on the importance of sunlight in human health. This information is too extensive for our short blog, but hopefully the following links will come through for you.
Many of the greatest benefits of sunlight come by way of Vitamin D. As you know the sun is the primary source for this multi-talented vitamin/hormone. In addition to it’s roles in strengthening bones, and our immune system, and facilitating sleep, Vitamin D is demonstrating some impressive brain-protecting roles. These include supporting growth of new brain cells and encouraging removal of amyloid plaque before it leads to Alzheimer’s.
Low levels of vitamin D are associated with low mood, memory loss and increased risk for dementia. And according to mainstream medical standards, 64% of Americans don’t have enough vitamin D to keep tissues functioning at peak capacity. Especially seniors.
Here is a powerful story from Dr. Roger Seheult, a leading internal medicine doc, on the critical power of sunlight for healing. As well as other research that supports that. Listen to the first 16 min, or if short on time fast forward to 8:12 and listen to 16:15 on the timeline, to hear his fascinating discussion of the healing power of sunlight.
Here is another interesting podcast by neuroscientist and professor Andrew Huberman, PhD on the importance of morning sunlight, on mental health, and when and how long we may need to be in the sun. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=STAffeSFBVk
The following link provides further clarification of the need for sunlight and cautions. Like the importance of not staring at the sun, but facing it for a period, so rays can enter our eyes. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P0HfHkn9xLQ
How much sunlight do we need for a healthy dose? My AI suggested the following:
You cannot reliably produce a fixed 5,000 IU of vitamin D from the sun, because your skin self‑limits production — but we can estimate how long typical sun exposure produces the maximum daily amount, which is roughly in the same range.
Key point:
Under strong midday summer UVB, most people make 10,000–20,000 IU of vitamin D after reaching the point of slight skin pinkness (the “minimal erythema dose”). This usually occurs within 10–60 minutes depending on skin tone. After that point, your skin stops increasing vitamin D production — extra time does not add more.
So the question becomes: How long does it take to reach that UV exposure window?
☀️ Estimated time to produce ~5,000 IU (midday, summer, arms + legs exposed)
Based on UV index and skin type data:
| Skin Type | Approx. time to reach ~5,000 IU |
| Type I (very fair) | 5–8 minutes |
| Type II (fair) | 8–12 minutes |
| Type III (medium) | 12–15 minutes |
| Type IV (olive) | 15–25 minutes |
| Type V (brown) | 25–35 minutes |
| Type VI (dark) | 35–50+ minutes |
These estimates assume:
If you only expose face and hands, vitamin D production is negligible. https://scienceinsights.org/how-much-time-outside-do-you-need-for-vitamin-d/?utm_source=copilot.com
Food As A Source of Light In The Human Body
Another seldom considered way to ingest light, is through food. Here is a link to a recent award winning documentary on this fascinating topic titled The Farmacy of light. That’s a 90 minute movie. However, if you are short on time the first 10 minutes shares some interesting scientific insight into the critical role light plays in our food and human health.
Some interesting things to think about on a sunny day!
I
David R. Larsen, MFHD
Director of Education
American Brain Council
