Living in Marbella Improves Your Health
How life is better in Marbella. Did you know that moving to sunny Marbella in southern Spain is one of the most beneficial things you will ever make to improve your health?
Living in a warm, coastal climate is widely recognized for its positive impact on both physical and mental well-being. This is a primary motivation for many individuals relocating to such regions in search of an enhanced quality of life. While Spain is famously known as a popular summer vacation spot, it is during the winter months that the Mediterranean lifestyle of Marbella truly reveals its full benefits.
Marbella: a prescription for health.
Numerous similar narratives exist, wherein actual physicians have genuinely recommended visiting or, preferably, moving to regions characterized by ample sunshine, superior air quality, and climates that encourage a more active and outdoor-oriented way of life. Locations akin to Marbella exemplify such environments.
1. Sun vs Health benefits.
The Costa del Sol, aptly named the Coast of the Sun, truly fulfills its designation by enjoying an impressive 325 days of sunshine each year, establishing it as one of the sunniest locales in Europe. This abundance of sunlight translates into extended daylight hours and a greater number of days characterized by clear blue skies or only partial cloud cover. In contrast, the MET Office reports that London, U.K., experiences merely 126 sunny days annually. A significant drawback of residing in many Northern countries is the prevalence of darker days and unfavorable weather conditions, which hinder individuals from obtaining their necessary daily intake of vitamin D through sunlight exposure. Relying solely on diet is often insufficient to maintain adequate levels, leading many individuals to require supplements to avert deficiencies.
What more could one possibly ask for? Scientists suggest that living in a sunny part of the world may be very beneficial for your health and in more ways than one. Here are ten huge health benefits of living in sunny Costa del Sol in Spain you should know about.
– The sun strengthens the immune system.
White blood cells increase during sun exposure. They play an important role in fighting diseases and protecting your body against infections. Certain diseases like psoriasis are treated with sunlight. Regular sunshine in your life builds a stronger immune system to help you stay healthy. The sun helps children grow healthier.
– Sun heals some skin disorders.
Whilst we tend to think of the sun as a skin cancer accelerator, it seems that sunlight promotes healing of skin disorders, such as acne, psoriasis, eczema, jaundice and other fungal skin infections. A study that lasted 4 weeks, where subjects had to sunbath daily for a few hours proved that exposure to the sun has a therapeutic effect on the skin and sunlight has been successfully used to treat skin disorders.
– The sun reduces the risk of some kind of cancer.
A Vitamin D deficiency increases your risk of cancer, especially breast and colon cancer. The sun is an excellent source of vitamin D which can help protect you from some cancers. It seems even breast cancer can go into remission with a good mix of a healthy diet and exposure to sunshine.
Drs. Frank and Cedric Garland from the University of California observed that the incidence of colon cancer was nearly three times higher in New York than in New Mexico. They believe it comes from natural exposure to sunshine people experience daily in New Mexico compared to New York, which provides them with a regular source of vitamin D.
– The sun is good for your heart.
Researchers from the University of Edinburgh found that a compound called nitric oxide, which helps reduce blood pressure, is automatically released into the blood vessels as soon as sunlight touches the skin. This finding is of significance because it indicates that not only does the sun improve health, it also prolongs life. It’s no wonder Spain is the country with the longest lifespan after Japan!
Blood pressure is a key component of your heart’s health. Reducing blood pressure, as is the case when exposed to sunlight, means cutting the risk of heart attacks and strokes. Spain has got one of the lowest rates of heart attacks in the world.
– The sun helps your bones stay strong.
We all know that the sun is a great source of vitamin D. Vitamin D stimulates the absorption of bone-strengthening calcium and phosphorus in the body. Research demonstrates that there is a direct correlation between bone density and vitamin D3. Vitamin D3 is a fat-soluble vitamin formed during the process of Vitamin D, manufactured when sunlight hits the skin. It regulates calcium absorption. Increasing your levels of vitamin D3 through regular exposure to sunlight reduces your risk of fracturing your bones. Living in a sunny country is especially beneficial to the elderly. It help’s them retain stronger bones. Not only is it a lifestyle choice to retire in southern Spain, but it is also a health matter.
– The sun helps you have a goodnight sleep.
When sunlight hits our eyes, a message is sent to the pineal gland in the brain and production of melatonin (a hormone that makes us drowsy and helps us sleep) is shut down. The sun sends a clear message to your body that it’s no longer night and this helps to maintain a normal circadian rhythm. When the sun goes away, your body gets told to go to sleep and your pineal gland starts producing melatonin once again. This makes you feel tired and ready to go to bed. Low levels of melatonin production at night due to overproduction during the day has been linked to poor sleep quality. The sun regulates this, making sure you get a good night sleep by pausing the production of melatonin in the daytime, but your body only gets the message when you’re exposed to the sunlight.
– The sun keeps your brain ticking happily.
A study led by neurologist David Llewellyn of the University of Cambridge revealed that vitamin D is also beneficial for cognitive function. Regular sunlight can help spur nerve cell growth in the part of the brain that is responsible for forming, organising and storing memories. Scientists are now toying with the idea that sunlight may be a natural remedy for diseases that affect the brain or at least it may slow the degenerative process. And it is a well-known fact that the sun makes you feel good. From a psychological perspective, the sun is a natural upper that can fight depression. It is no wonder we always talk about the “joie de vivre” of the Spanish and how infectious it is when in Spain.
– The sun keeps depressions away.
Sunlight deprivation can cause a condition called seasonal affective disorder (SAD). SAD is a form of depression common in the winter months. It is especially common in northern countries where people go without sunlight for an extended period at a time. It is also common in people who work long hours in office buildings and hardly get out for some sun. Sun exposure, increases levels of natural antidepressants in the brain which help relieve mild depression. The sun has this magical power to get the brain to produce more serotonin when exposed to its rays, which is a mood-lifting chemical.
– The Sun fights Alzheimer’s.
Clinical research from the Journal of American Medical Association has shown Alzheimer’s patients who are exposed to the sun throughout the day from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. followed by darkness at night score better on mental exams and improve some aspects of the disease. They found that patients suffered less depression, nighttime wakefulness, agitation and lost less function than those exposed to dim daytime lighting.
2. The fitness factor
The favorable climate along the coast, conducive to sports, plays a significant role in attracting outdoor enthusiasts and fostering a year-round engagement in various sports and activities. It is widely recognized that maintaining an active lifestyle is essential for good health, and in Marbella, with its pleasant weather and abundant opportunities, remaining motivated to stay active is remarkably effortless.
– Fitness opportunities in every corner.
There are numerous opportunities to maintain physical fitness, whether through a leisurely daily walk or a bike ride along the extensive paseos, or by practicing sun salutations on your terrace. The area is replete with health clubs, specialized gyms, wellness centers, spas, sports facilities, and various fitness-related activities, making it remarkably easy to stay active. Fitness culture is prevalent here, offering a wide array of options to suit individual tastes, from an elegant round of golf to a lively group yoga session on the beach.
– Hiking, climbing, and adventures in nature.
The region boasts a significant appeal for hiking, spelunking, and rock climbing, largely attributed to its close proximity to the Sierra de las Nieves National Park. Even nearer is the Sierra Blanca mountain range, which includes La Concha. Additionally, Benahavís features a network of rivers and renowned cave systems, providing excellent opportunities for remarkable day excursions.
– Year-round water and outdoor sports.
The blue space effect. Research has confirmed what Marbella residents already knew: living near water significantly improves your wellbeing. The mineral-rich Mediterranean sea waters have been shown to alleviate skin conditions and support respiratory health
Water activities such as kayaking, boating, and paddle boarding can be pursued throughout the year, thanks to the tranquil waters that characterize Marbella’s coastline. Rain rarely disrupts tennis or padel matches, and cyclists are known to venture out in nearly all weather conditions. Equestrian activities are immensely favored in the region, and swimming is, of course, a staple pastime. Additionally, parasailing seems to be on the rise, as it is common to see enthusiasts taking to the skies at the beach at any hour of the day.
3. Life is a celebration
The calendar year in Marbella resembles an unending celebration, with each month introducing its unique customs and festivities. Beginning with the Three Kings parade in January, the year progresses to the evocative Semana Santa processions in spring, followed by the lively San Bernabé Feria in June and the impressive San Pedro Alcántara Feria in October. There is perpetually a cause for celebration. The summer evenings are animated by the captivating performances of the Starlite Festival, while local communities radiate vibrancy during their individual celebrations, infusing the streets with the lively sounds of Sevillanas.
– The Spanish philosophy: work to live, not live to work.
The Spanish approach to life emphasizes a philosophy of living to work instead of working to live, highlighting a culture that values the present and cherishes life’s joys. Activities that could render today overly busy are postponed to mañana (tomorrow), and holidays are often extended with puentes (bridges) whenever feasible. This concept refers to an additional day that connects a holiday with the weekend, and it is certain that individuals will take advantage of this time, reveling in the pleasant weather and celebrating their leisure.
Making the move, an investment in your health
Relocating to Marbella represents a significant investment in your well-being. The unique blend of natural surroundings, lifestyle choices, social influences, and the ability to engage in outdoor activities throughout the year fosters an atmosphere where wellness becomes almost unavoidable. With an increasing body of scientific research highlighting the health advantages of Mediterranean living, Marbella emerges as a leading choice for individuals aiming to enhance their health.
The inquiry is not about whether you ought to move to Marbella; rather, it is: what is the reason for delaying the commencement of your healthiest life?
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