Thanks in part to overzealous tanners, the sun has gleaned a bad reputation, perhaps leading many to avoid the sun altogether. In reality, life on earth is conducted due to God’s provision of the sun and responsible exposure to the sun can provide many positive health benefits:
- Sunlight supplies Vitamin D, which aids the transport of calcium to the bones.
- Sunlight alleviates depression, especially Seasonal Affective Disorder (S.A.D.), a condition experienced by some during colder months.
- Sunlight promotes feelings of calmness.
It is important to remember that overexposure can be detrimental. To avoid overexposure, stay out of the sun during the most intense hours of the day, gathering beams during the early morning or late afternoon.
To maximize the sun’s health benefits:
- Remove eyeglasses or contacts and let the sunlight enter the eyes
- Expose as much skin as possible
- Use sunscreen only if exposed to the sun for an extended period of time or if exposure occurs during intense hours.
For overexposure times, consider Aubrey Organics sun care products: http://www.aubrey-organics.com/
This website has a great article, “Safe Sunscreens for Youthful Skin,” by Megan Shields, M.D.
Almond Milk Shake
Ingredients:
- 2 cups distilled water or 1 cup distilled water and 1 cup Welch’s 100% juice of choice
- 1 cup raw, sliced almonds
- Assorted frozen fruit of choice, including bananas
Place water and/or juice along with almonds in blender. Blend almonds until finely chopped. Slowly add frozen fruit and blend to desired consistency. Serves 1-2
Raw almonds provide Vitamin E and essential fatty acids.
Give Me Five
Five reasons to choose organic, raw fruits and vegetables:
- Provides more nutrition
- Contains healthy fiber and enzymes
- Reduces exposure to toxic pesticides
- Encourages healthy farming practices
- Tastes better!
