“Truly the light is sweet, and a pleasant thing it is for the eye to behold the sun.” Ecclesiastes. 11:7.
Sunlight is the second remedy the servant of the Lord lists as the cure for disease. Here are some important facts concerning the sun: It travels at a speed of 186,000 miles per second, and it bridges the 93 million miles to earth in little less than eight minutes. The sun is composed of many different energy levels that are transmitted in the form of electromagnetic waves. Only a portion of these waves reaches the earth’s surface, as they have to go through layers of atmosphere. They are called electromagnetic spectrum. Only l% of this spectrum can be seen by the human eye.
The invisible portion of the spectrum provides the infrared waves that give warmth, and the ultraviolet waves give the majority of the biological effects-both positive and negative to man’s health.
“If all would appreciate the sunshine, and expose every article of clothing to its drying, purifying rays, mildew and mold would be prevented… This is the only way rooms can be kept from impurities…. Every room in our dwelling should be daily thrown open to the healthful rays of the sun, and the purifying air should be invited in. This will be a preventive of disease.” Healthful Living, pp. 142, 143.
What Sunlight Does for Us
“Sunlight is the force that provides nourishment and energy for all living things. By its action on plants and animals it releases oxygen and carbon dioxide. It also requlates the temperature and humidity of the earth’s atmosphere, keeping it at life’s supporting levels. It initiates rain and snow and replenishes our rivers lakes.
“All food we eat has a relationship to sunlight. Green plants grow by a process called photosynthesis. Sunlight acts of chlorophyll in leaves. This green pigment selectively takes carbon dioxide from the atmosphere and combines it with water to produce sugar atoms and by combining them with minerals from soil, it makes starch, protein, oil, vitamins, and all food required by animal and plant life.
Vitamin D
“Most vitamins are found in the food we eat. The exception in the food we eat. The exception is Vitamin D. The ultraviolet waves in sunlight initiate formation of Vitamin D.
Substantial deposit of Cholesterol lie just under the skin. As sunlight filters through the skin, it changes this cholesterol to Vitamin D.
“Exposing half of your face to sunlight for 5 minutes provides 400 units of Vitamin D. (U.S.R.D.A equals 400 units a day.)
“With an increased level of Vitamin D in the system one is able to increase the absorption of calcium, thus preventing bone disease, such as rickets and osteomalacia.
“Cholesterol
“Changing the cholesterol under the skin for Vitamin D causes the body to signal the cholesterol in the blood to move out of the blood into the skin, thus producing a lower blood cholesterol.
“Blood Sugar
“Sunlight acts like insulin by facilitating the absorption of glucose into the cells of the boby. This stimulates the body to convert its blood sugar (glucose) into stored sugar (glycogen), which is stored in the liver and muscles, thus decreasing the blood sugar.
“Disinfectant
“The sun has the ability to kill pathogenic bacteria, viruses, and molds. It is useful in the treatment of tuberculosis, pnefaumonia, and many other infections.
“Aerobec Fitness
“Sunlight is able to increase the blood’s capacity to carry oxygen and to deliver it to the tissues. This means that more oxyen is available for delivery to the muscles while exercising. Another factor which may contribute to increased aerobic fitness is that glycogen is increased in the liver and the muscles following sunbathing.
“How the Use the Sun Right!
“While the sun has many health benefits, it can also be very detrimental if used intemperately. Each year Americans spend over 125 million dollars on suntan lotion! The desire to sport the popular status symbol of a rich, deep, dark tan pulls the best of us to the beaches, parks, and city rooftops to bathe our bodies in the sunlight. Each year, theses same millions of Americans will develop an estimated 4,000,000 new cases of skin cancer.
“Excessive sunlight, with a high blood triglyceride, is the most important promoting factor in skin cancer. Light-skinned persons, with little melanin in their skin, are more susceptible to skin cancer than those with darker skins. It is also noted that the incidence of skin cancer is very low in persons on a low-fat diet and those with a body fat content of less than 15 percent.
Free Use of Sunlight
“…This is one of nature’s most healing agents.” ~2T 527:1.
“The little children should come especially close to nature. Instead of putting fashion’s shackles upon them, let them be free like the lambs, to play in the sweet, fresh sunlight. Point them to shrubs and flowers, the lowly grass and the lofty trees, and let them become familiar with their beautiful, varied, and delicate forms. Teach them to see the wisdom and love of God in His created works; and as their hearts swell with joy and grateful love, let them join the birds in their songs of praise.”-Child Guidance, p.48:3,
“If you would have your homes sweet and inviting, make them bright with air and sunshine. Remove your heavy curtains, open the windows, throw back the blinds, and enjoy the rich sunlight, even if it be at the expense of the colon; of your carpets.”- 2T527:1.
” … Sleeping rooms especially should be well ventilated, and the atmosphere made healthful by light and air, Blinds should be left open several hours each day, the curtains put aside, and the room thoroughly aired; nothing should remain, even for a short time, which would destroy the purity of the atmosphere.” Healthful Living, pp, 141, 142.
“Perfect cleanliness, plenty of sunlight, careful attention to sanitation in every detail of the home life… are essential to freedom from disease and to the cheerfulness and vigor of the inmates of the home.” -Child Guidance,p.108:1
”Physical Exercise Gives Life. When the body is inactive, the blood flows sluggishly, and the muscles decrease in size and strength …. Physical exercise and a free use of air and sunlight–blessings which Heaven has abundantly bestowed on all– would give life and strength to many an emaciated invalid …. “–Mind, Character, and Personality, Vol. 1, p.121:4.