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Let's be honest: a lot of us sit inside...all
day. Whether it's for work or to binge on the newest TV series, we simply aren't outside
very often. But, what would happen if you stopped going outside all together?
149,600,000 km away sunlight is being ejected from the sun, shooting across the solar system,
through our atmosphere, and if the timing is right, landing directly on your skin. Feels
good, doesn't it? And it's this sunlight that begins an amazing chain reaction, which helps
to sustain your life: The 'Sunshine Vitamin' -- Vitamin D that is.
Interestingly, some of the cholesterol you consume is altered and stored in your skin.
And when that well-travelled Ultra Violet B sunlight hits your skin, it modifies this
cholesterol. The new molecule travels through the bloodstream to the liver, where it is
altered again, and then to the kidney, where it is biologically 'activated'.
This activated Vitamin D works to absorb calcium from your food, ultimately leading to bone
growth and strength. In a way, your skin eats the sun and the sun grows your bones! Perhaps
we aren't so different from plants. Without Vitamin D, your body would not only
suffer decreased mineralization of your bones, leading to diseases like osteoporosis, but
also see a decrease in immune function. Furthermore, there is evidence to suggest that Vitamin
D helps prevent cancer, heart disease and depression. Which may explain why those in
colder climates with less daylight often experience the "Winter Blues".
But it's not just sunlight and Vitamin D that makes the difference. Many studies have shown
that being in nature can have a mental and physical effect on the body. While using sophisticated
brain-imaging techniques, brains in nature showed more activity in the regions associated
with stability, empathy and love. On the other hand, viewing man-made environments produced
activity in the regions associated with fear and stress.
On top of it all, if you are often inside, chances are you're sitting down. Admit it,
you've been lounging, watching YouTube for hours. Which may seem harmless, but studies
have shown major health effects linked to sitting time, such as an increase in type
2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease . Furthermore, a study of more than 200,000 people found
a strong correlation between mortality and increased sitting time -- in other words,
the longer you sit, the more likely you are to die prematurely. The scariest part is that
this is regardless of your physical activity. So stand up, get outside, and live a little...longer
than you would have. After subscribing to our channel and watching
all the videos, that is. This episode of AsapSCIENCE is supported by
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