Tiana Harilela

As winter fades, the sun starts to warm up our bodies and the earth, and I find myself smiling more. In Asia, there is almost a fear of the sun, but I for one have been missing it. Every time there’s a clear sky and glorious sun, I see a mass of umbrellas and whitening creams being bought as if it were a curse. I, on the other hand, embrace it with care and love. Whilst it is true that the ozone layer is thinning and UV rays are becoming stronger, we can still enjoy the sun without damaging our skin.

In fact, in a recent article published in the Archives of Internal Medicine, it states that those with low vitamin D levels have more than double the risk of dying from heart diseases and other causes over an eight-year period compared with those with the higher levels of vitamin D. The researchers cite "decreased outdoor activity" as one reason that people become deficient in vitamin D.

This doesn’t mean you need to be basking in the sun all day, every day. With proper protection and short exposure to the sun, one will benefit tremendously. The wonderful thing about vitamin D is that it is free! Your body makes vitamin D when it is exposed to natural sunlight. It is known to prevent osteoporosis and even depression.

Vitamin D cannot be found in many foods - you cannot obtain it from plant-based foods, for example, unless it's added to them. Usually it is found in oily fish like tuna and salmon or you can also take vitamin D supplements, which is another way to make sure you are supplying the right amount to your body, but again it’s not as powerful or sufficient as having short exposure to the sun.

If you take the right precautions and enjoy it rather than hide from it, the sun can do you a world of good. So, no fear, enjoy in one of the nature’s most healing and beautiful gifts.

For those in need of a sanctuary for deep relaxation and tranquillity, the Macanese outpost of this resort is the perfect getaway.