Here’s this week’s 200 word idea thanks to ASAP Science’s video on what if we stopped going outside and the excellent Lifehacker.com.
We are told to spend more time outdoors so we get Vitamin D. But, what does that really mean?
Well, some of the cholestrol we consume is altered and stored in our skin. When sunlight hits our skin, it modifies this cholestrol into Vitamin D3 which eventually gets activated into vitamin D. This activated Vitamin D absorbs calcium from our food ultimately leading to bone growth and strength. A lack of Vitamin D, aside from weakening bones, results in a decrease in immunity. There’s also evidence to suggest that indicates vitamin D prevents cancer, heart disease and depression. This may explain why people in much colder climates often experience “the winter blues.”
Additionally, brain imaging has shown that brains in nature show more activity in regions associated with stability, empathy and love while those in man-made environments (like high rise buildings) showed more fear and stress.
Finally, sitting (our primary indoor posture) results in more type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease. A study of more than 200,000 people showed a link between mortality and increased sitting time.
Time for us to switch off our laptops and head out when we take breaks at work this week..
Source and thanks to: www.EBSketchin.com
‘When you wander into untamed landscapes it calms your nerves and restores your brain power. Just three days in nature lead to a 50% increase in performances on creativity tests.’ | A study by University of Kansas researchers
A Learning a Day 