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#108 Dr. Alexis Cowan | The Truth About Sunlight, Modern Disease and Skin Cancer
Jun 28, 2024
Dr. Alexis Cowan, a Princeton PhD specializing in light and health, uncovers the surprising truths behind sunlight and skin cancer. She clarifies that the most dangerous melanoma cases often arise from inadequate sun exposure, not overexposure. The conversation dives into how red and infrared light can enhance vitality and the importance of balancing sunlight with cold exposure. Dr. Cowan also discusses the connection between gut health, sunlight, and metabolism, offering evidence-based insights for optimizing health through light.
01:01:27
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Quick takeaways
- The majority of sunlight consists of beneficial red and infrared light, which can mitigate UV-induced damage to the body.
- Adequate sun exposure lowers the risk of fatal cancers and contributes positively to cardiovascular health and diabetes prevention.
Deep dives
The Role of Light in Sun Exposure Research
Research on UV light has largely been conducted in isolation, neglecting that only less than 10% of sunlight is UV. The majority of sunlight, over 50%, consists of red and infrared light, which can mitigate the harmful effects of UV on the body. This revelation raises the question of why studies do not consider the real-world context of sunlight exposure. Understanding the balance of light wavelengths is crucial, as red and infrared light can help reduce skin inflammation and DNA damage, suggesting a need for a more comprehensive approach to studying sunlight's effects on health.
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