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Hyderabad, July 29, 2024 – Want to extend your lifespan? According to Dr. Sudhir Kumar from Indraprastha Apollo Hospitals, Hyderabad, regular exposure to sunlight can add up to two years to your life. Dr. Kumar emphasized that spending five to 30 minutes in the sun daily when ultraviolet (UV) rays are low can significantly boost health and longevity.
In a recent post on the social media platform X, Dr. Kumar shared insights into the crucial role sunlight plays in maintaining good health. “Exposure to sunlight on a regular basis increases longevity. Brief duration (5-30 minutes per day) of sunlight exposure is sufficient,” he stated.
Citing a study, Dr. Kumar revealed that nonsmokers who avoided sun exposure had a life expectancy similar to smokers in the highest sun exposure group. This startling comparison indicates that avoiding sunlight is a risk factor for mortality on par with smoking. He noted that individuals who shunned sunlight had a reduced life expectancy ranging from 0.6 to 2.1 years.
Dr. Kumar detailed the numerous health benefits of regular sunlight exposure, linking it to a lower risk of several chronic conditions, including diabetes, hypertension, cardiovascular diseases, infections, and autoimmune diseases. Additionally, sunlight exposure is known to reduce stress levels.
While Vitamin D is commonly associated with sunlight exposure, Dr. Kumar clarified that it is considered a surrogate marker rather than the sole contributor to increased longevity. He pointed out that Vitamin D supplementation alone does not provide the same health benefits as natural sunlight.
Dr. Kumar stressed the importance of choosing the right time for sun exposure, particularly when the UV index is low, to maximize health benefits. He also warned against overexposure, even with sunscreen, as it can increase the risk of malignant melanoma (skin cancer).
In conclusion, Dr. Kumar’s insights highlight the critical role of moderate sunlight exposure in promoting longevity and preventing various health conditions. As he succinctly put it, a few minutes of sunlight each day can be a simple yet effective way to enhance overall well-being and extend life expectancy.
