While many people know all about the harmful effects of the sun’s rays and of tanning beds, few stop to consider the health benefits of getting that beautiful, tanned skin. Health benefits? That’s right! Spending a healthy amount of time in the sun or a tanning bed can actually produce some great effects on your body and your mind. Here are some of the positive effects of tanning beds that you can enjoy!

1. Although most people worry about getting cancer from the UV rays, you can actually prevent some other cancers if you use a tanning bed in moderation. It has been found that people who take advantage of UV rays have a lower risk of getting colon, ovarian, and breast cancers. And, those that do get these cancers have a lower mortality rate if they still bask in the tanning bed’s or sun’s glow!

2. Vitamin D is produced in our bodies by both, sunlight and UV rays from tanning beds. This vitamin is essential for calcium to help build strong bones and to help in the fight against osteoporosis. Studies have found that most people do not get the proper amount of calcium in their diets, either from dairy products or vitamins, so what better way to gain the positive effects of Vitamin D than to enjoy some warm rays.

3. Along the same lines as Vitamin D, research has found that the sun and tanning bed rays are also a way to boost the skin’s natural protection for our bodies. When you are exposed to these rays, in the right amounts, you will have less of a chance to burn if you happen to stay in the sun too long. Preparing your skin for the summer months is a great way to keep those awful burns from emerging on your summer vacation.

4. Research is emerging that suggests that sunlight and tanning beds also help reduce the symptoms of PMS and PMDD. For women who suffer from these problems each month, a health dose of tanning can do some good in helping to dispel some of the symptoms such as: mood swings, cramps, and migraines.

5. Tanning beds and sunlight has also shown to have a positive effect on those suffering from depression and anxiety problems. While research is still determining why this happens, the results of the tests show that people who suffer from mild to almost debilitating depression and anxiety problems show fewer symptoms when they were using a tanning bed or being exposed to the sun’s rays on a daily basis.

6. For those travelers who suffer from jet lag, it has been found that tanning beds and sunlight help you to get over that lag faster than just staying indoors. Some doctors believe that this helps to “reset� your internal clock and to get you back up and on your feet faster.

There are actually many other positive effects of tanning beds and sunlight that have been shown to help people with many different problems. Ask your doctor or health care professional if tanning might help to alleviate some of your problems and how much is the right amount for you.