It is possible to get your daily dose of vitamin D from the foods you eat, but very few foods are naturally-rich sources of the vitamin. Instead, your body actually makes most of its vitamin D from sunshine. What is the best time to expose your skin to get that daily dose of Vitamin D?
When is the best time of the day to expose the skin to the sun to get the daily Vitamin D?
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The optimal time to get vitamin D from the sun is between 10:30 a.m. and 2:30 p.m. on days when the UV index is above 7. When the sky is hazy or cloudy essentially no vitamin D is produced in the skin. You only have to be out in the sun for 5 to 10 minutes on each side, front and back, that is, slightly less than the amount of sun-time needed.
Too much exposure to sunlight also has its own set of health risks. Vitamin D is made from cholesterol in the skin, which means one needs to expose lots of skin to sunlight to get enough vitamin D. For persons of colour, you are required to sit in the sun for up to 1hour while light skin individuals can use 15minutes. The best time is in the afternoon. Expose your arms, legs, back and abdomen to get more vitamin D. Do not forget to expose your back as it allows your body to produce the maximum vitamin D.