Dhru Purohit Show Can Sunlight Add Years to Your Life? Here's What the Science Says About the Sun’s Ability to Radically Improve Your Health with Jonathan Jarecki
Jan 14, 2026
In this enlightening conversation, Jonathan Jarecki—a pre-med student focused on Biology and Neuroscience—reveals the profound impacts of sunlight on health and longevity. He shares compelling studies linking sun exposure to lower mortality rates and improved metabolic health. Discover how infrared light boosts mitochondrial function and how strategic sunlight habits can enhance well-being. Jonathan also introduces a 2026 Light Challenge, encouraging listeners to embrace natural light and mitigate artificial light for better health outcomes.
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Sun Exposure Strongly Links To Longevity
- Large cohort studies show more sun exposure correlates with significantly lower all-cause mortality and longer lifespan.
- Jonathan and researchers replicated findings across countries suggesting a strong dose-dependent relationship between sun exposure and longevity.
Infrared Light Cuts ICU Stay
- Red and near-infrared LED applied to ICU patients reduced ICU length of stay by ~30% in a triple-blinded trial.
- The light likely improved mitochondrial function systemically, explaining large clinical benefits across diagnoses.
Daytime Melatonin Is A Mitochondrial Antioxidant
- Most melatonin (~95%) is produced in mitochondria during the day in response to infrared light and acts as a potent intracellular antioxidant.
- Daytime subcellular melatonin protects mitochondria from ROS and upregulates other antioxidants like glutathione.