When we’re in need of relaxation, the first thing we usually think of is booking a holiday, because we know soaking in the sunshine and dipping our toes in the sea will help us to unwind. But, whilst we know that time spent by the ocean is mentally nourishing, what do we know about how it can benefit us physically?

Well, it’s good news. Enjoying sun, sea, sand and even seaweed can be incredibly good for us on the inside too, providing an array of health boosting benefits that will make justifying time off by the coast a lot easier.

Here’s how…

Sun – a bright light for health
Gentle exposure to sunlight helps us to produce Vitamin D – one of the only vitamins produced naturally by our bodies. The majority of people in the UK have an insufficient level of vitamin D in the blood, particularly in winter.

Famous for its contribution to bone and joint health, Vitamin D helps the body to absorb calcium, so regular yet sensible exposure to sunlight is important. It can provide important health benefits in preventing or ameliorating conditions or diseases such as bone diseases, muscle pain, multiple sclerosis and high blood pressure.

As we age we produce less Vitamin D, which is why conditions such as osteoporosis, joint pain and arthritis become increasingly common. Ensuring that you have adequate exposure to sunlight can help your body to maximise its Vitamin D production, which will in turn regulate your body’s ability to absorb calcium, benefiting bone health.

Ever wondered why you feel happier in the sunshine? It’s actually down to the heat of the sun. The sun’s warmth affects our endocrine system, the part of the body which secretes endorphins – the natural chemicals in our body designed to help us feel relaxed and less stressed.