Light is the essence of life itself, and without it, the whole universe would be invisible. It is amazing to think about something we often don’t notice simply because it is always present, even if it isn’t tangible, as the most valuable resource on Earth.

All living organisms depend on light for energy. Photosynthesis, essential in this conversion process, is the process by which plants create their own food as well as food for others. And, perhaps more importantly, photosynthesis also oxygenates the air!

Fruits and vegetables are, for the most part, converted and stored light. Hence, some of the sugars we consume within our diet, come from plants. Since we cannot live without food and oxygen, it goes without saying that the impact of photosynthesis on our daily life is crucial. Light creates all our major sources of energy, not just only for our body’s activities, but also in regards to the fuels we currently use today. 

Since many of us have been deprived of long days all winter, and now the days are getting longer again, now is the right time to consider how light contributes to our health and wellbeing. Whether it is getting out more or considering home improvements, here is how light can benefit us.

Healthy Source Of Vitamins

A person needs direct exposure to sunlight because ultraviolet rays (also known as UVB) help the body produce vitamin D. Technically, vitamin D is a hormone rather than a vitamin, but it is nevertheless of importance. This function of the body is active in many parts, supporting a variety of important processes, from boosting happiness and increasing the body’s immunity to fighting various infections and illnesses.

Vitamin D exists in two forms: D2 and D3. It is created by the direct impact of sunlight. A provitamin naturally found in plants and fungi can be converted to vitamin D2 (ergocalciferol) by sunlight irradiating ergosterol, so we can absorb vitamin D from our diet.

Lighting Indoors

Our ancestors have been taught by nature that when light breaks through the darkness, a new day begins. When the sun rises, all life awakens. There is simply no life without light.

Ancient cultures all over the world understood the importance of light to heal and sustaining a healthy life. From the ancient Greeks with having a special center for light therapy called Heliopolis (City of the Sun) to the Egyptians who also studied and used color light for all kinds of treatments. In the ancient city of Heliopolis, temples were built to worship the sun gods Ra and Atum.

As of the late 19th and early 20th centuries, and after Sir Isaac Newton demonstrated daylight is a combination of colors of the visible spectrum, biologists, scientists, and psychologists conducted research on how colors impact the human body. Thus, modern light therapy was born. 

Purple or violet, for instance, have a calming effect. These colors soothe the nervous system and facilitate relaxation.

The impact of UVB-light remains a field of research where there is much more to be learned since we are only scratching the surface of its benefits and possibilities. Light therapy by use of LED Lamps has been shown to greatly reduce common skin conditions. You can learn more about LED bulbs here. By using UVB-light in an innovative manner, future designs and potential uses of it can be completely transformed. As a whole, it can contribute to health, wellness, and healing in the future and provide many solutions. Let us know what you think light brings to life in the comments below.