Lets Learn 100 Uses of sunlight

                                                                                      

 Lets Learn 100 Uses of sunlight: Our lives revolve around the sun just as Earth does. The heat from the sun has given rise to life on earth unless which earth would have been just an ice-coated planet. Weather patterns, seasons, and vegetation on earth are directly related to solar irradiation. From rain formation to photosynthesis to basic needs of energy are all possible because of the sun.
 

Let us now look at the uses of sunlight in our daily lives.

1. Electricity
Sun can heat water and convert it to steam which can be used to run turbines and generate electricity. It is estimated that the entire world’s energy requirement can be met with just one percent of the landmass receiving sunlight.
The solar photovoltaic cells installed on rooftops also generate electricity.

2. Food and Photosynthesis
Sunlight is the key ingredient for plants to synthesize food naturally. The availability of sun rays is extended through the construction of greenhouses. Greenhouse helps in extension of the growing season in winters. The greenhouse also increases crop yields by protecting them from diseases.

3. Heat water
50 to 80 % of hot water needs can be met with solar water heaters. A tropical country like India can acquire maximum benefit from the available sunlight.

4. Sun as a disinfectant
Water kept in sunlight for six hours will be disinfected and are safe for drinking. The ultraviolet rays from the sun will kill any bacteria or microbes.

5. Sun as fuel
Thanks to the new technology. Automobiles can now be powered by the sun instead of fuel. For example, the new Nissan Leaf uses 2000 kWh of solar energy.

6. Lighting and heating needs
A perfectly designed home makes most of the daylight for its lighting needs. This is called solar architecture. Using south-facing windows and insulating the north can optimize the heating needs.
In colder climates, solar heating can serve up to 50 percent of buildings heating needs.

7. Cook food
Solar cookers work as long as the sun shines. Solar dryers can be used in drying off the moisture in food to preserve it longer.

8. Dry Clothes
Drying clothes in the sun is energy efficient and the sun is also a natural disinfectant.

9. Sun for Recreation
Some toys and calculators use solar cells instead of batteries.

10. Sun to charge your phones and gadgets
Solar PV cells can be integrated into phones and watches. They will be charged as long as you are on the go.

11. Power for satellites
Sun is the source of power for orbiting satellites.

12. Sunbath
15 minutes of exposure to the sun can be a solution to a lot of health conditions and is a wellness parameter. Sunbathing is as scientific as it is Vedic. It is also recommended in Ayurveda for a healthy body and eyesight. The best time to sunbathe is before 8 am and after 5 pm.
Sunbathing also helps one in getting adequate vitamin D levels. The ultraviolet rays in sunlight are required for vitamin D synthesis. It is believed that diabetes can be prevented by getting adequate vitamin D. Vitamin D also helps in boosting immunity. Vitamin D stimulates hair growth and thus sunbathing helps in maintaining healthy hair.
Sunbathing can also improve skin texture and prevents skin infections. It also removes blemishes on the skin. UV light can kill acne-causing bacteria and thus prevent acne. Sun with its anti-inflammatory properties can help reduce psoriasis and eczema.
It is an amazing fact that the sun can help in weight loss too. Sun boosts the production of serotonin which suppresses appetite and makes one feel full. Serotonin is also known as the happiness hormone and can prevent depression and make one feel elated.
Sunlight is a natural detoxifying agent. It unclogs and cleanses blood vessels. People with atherosclerosis or hardened veins are advised to sunbathe.
Sun exposure helps newborn babies to gain height and it improves their bone health.
Sunbathing helps in proper hormonal balance in humans. Our brains are conditioned to perceive sunlight as day. Artificial lighting has disrupted this natural conditioning. Regular sunbathing regulates the Pineal gland and the sleep-wake cycle. Thus sunbathing helps insomniacs.
Exposure to sunlight helps in melatonin synthesis, in the maintenance of normal circadian rhythms, and reduces the risk of seasonal affective disorder.

Epidemiological data shows that people who are exposed to sunlight regularly have good vitamin D levels, have less high blood pressure and cardiac issues. Sunlight exposure can also benefit in cases of depression, premenstrual dysphoric disorder, anxiety, panic attacks and skin diseases.

Some amount of UV exposure and sun exposure is recommended for patients with psoriasis, eczema, jaundice, acne.
Sunlight exposure also is beneficial for people with rheumatoid arthritis, systemic lupus erythematosus, inflammatory bowel disease, thyroiditis.

WHO says that 5 to 15 minutes of sunlight 2-3 times a week is good enough to reap all the benefits of sunlight and prevent its harmful effects.

Challenges with Sunlight:

Intense and prolonged exposure to sunlight can cause cancers due to UV light. Sunlight can cause sunburns. Care should be taken that one should not be overexposed and optimal exposure of 5 to 15 minutes would be sufficient to reap the positive effects of sunlight.
Sunlight is intermittent and not available on cloudy days and at nights.


Conclusion:
Sun is considered as the Atma karaka in Indian astrology. Ayurveda also recommends sunbathing for good eyes, better skin, hair, stronger bones, and improves vitamin D levels in the body. Exposure to sunlight improves mood and reduces depression.
Sun energy can be used to cook our food, warm and light our houses, run our cars, and generate electricity. It is used to charge our phones, toys, watches, calculators, and gadgets.
Increasing innovation can help us use energy from various other applications. And the best part is it is both renewable and non-polluting.
Sunlight is a disinfectant and helps in purifying our water. It helps in drying clothes.

It is time to start making informed choices and to replace non-renewable energy with renewable sources like sunlight for a cleaner and safer planet.