Saturday, September 08, 2007

 

Prevent Cancer with Sunshine

By Al Sears, MD

Most of us know that sunlight gets a bad rap. Dermatologists and the sunscreen industry tell you to avoid sunlight at all costs, implying that even a little exposure will cause skin cancer.

In reality, not only is a little sunlight good for you, it can dramatically reduce your risk of cancer.

Two new studies revealed that, in moderate amounts, sunlight may reduce the risk of breast cancer by as much as 50 percent. Its effect on the incidence of colorectal cancer is even more dramatic, lowering the risk by 65 percent.

How is this possible?

Sunlight boosts levels of vitamin D in your blood. When its ultraviolet rays hit your skin, your body responds by spontaneously producing this essential nutrient. That's why vitamin D is sometimes called the "sunshine" vitamin.

Researchers at the
University of San Diego noted that the cancer-reduction rates from vitamin D produced by sunlight vastly outperformed even the most popular cancer drugs, such as Herceptin. Best of all, you only need 10 to 20 minutes of sunlight a day to get the cancer protection.

[Ed. Note: Dr. Sears, a practicing physician, author, and expert on longevity, fitness, and heart health, is the author of The Doctor's Heart Cure. Learn more about the latest breakthroughs in alternative medicine, fitness, and nutrition, and get motivational guidance to help you achieve your health goals in ETR's natural health e-letter]

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