by: John McKiernan
(NaturalNews) Most of us are now aware of the importance of Essential Fatty Acids to our overall health and well being. What isn't so commonly discussed; however, is the relationship between EFAs and the sun.
It seems many people are so concerned with covering themselves up from any sun exposure that they are missing out on the important benefits of sunlight. Dr. Robert S. Stern, chair of the Department of Dermatology at Harvard Affiliated Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, calls them "solar-phobes." Let's be clear, too much sun exposure is associated with skin cancer and premature skin aging. The key is to find a balance.
Lack of sun exposure and Vitamin D deficiencies go hand-in-hand
Sun exposure is the only reliable way to generate vitamin D in the body. There is now clear evidence that vitamin D deficiencies are associated with an increased rate of various types of cancer. Vitamin D is one of the most powerful healing chemicals in your body, yet completely steering clear of the sun will all but guarantee that you won't get enough of it.
Mike Adams writes "Vitamin D prevents osteoporosis, depression, prostate cancer, breast cancer, and even affects diabetes and obesity. Vitamin D is perhaps the single most underrated nutrient in the world of nutrition."
Vitamin D isn't the only reason you need sunlight
Many people are aware of the connection between vitamin D and the sun; however, what many people aren't aware of is that the heath benefits of EFAs and sunlight go hand-in-hand. Dr. Johana Budwig, seven-time Nobel Prize nominee and pioneer in Essential Fatty Acid research, says the sun's rays are very much in harmony with humans.
Budwig reported positive results in healing heart disease, arthritis, cancer and other common diseases with massive doses of EFAs. Budwig believed in the EFA-sun connection so strongly that she would have her patients lie in the sun after consuming large doses of EFAs. Not surprisingly, the patients reported feeling rejuvenated.
How does it all work?
Essential Fatty Acids are electron-rich oils which are compatible with solar rays. "Electron-rich highly unsaturated oils… increase the absorption, storage and utilization of the sun's energy" Dr. Budwig explains. What's more is that those who lack EFAs do not experience the same benefits from sun exposure.
We notice individuals in our time experiencing stress and decreased energy from exposure to the sun's energy, whereas others respond with dynamic improvement in all vital functions. There is now great cause to believe that the difference in these individuals is the intake of EFAs.