The Benefits of Infrared Light and How to See It

Infrared light, often invisible to the naked eye, plays a crucial role in our health and well-being. In this article, we will explore how you can visualize infrared light using a simple film for your smartphone camera, the significance of being in green spaces, and the potential health benefits associated with infrared exposure.

Understanding Infrared Light

Infrared light is part of the electromagnetic spectrum and is just beyond the visible spectrum. It is crucial for various biological processes, and recent studies suggest that exposure to infrared light can lead to significant health benefits, including reductions in inflammation and improvements in cardiovascular health.

Visualizing Infrared Light

To visualize infrared light, you can use a specialized film that you attach to your smartphone camera lens. This film, produced by a company called Phosphere, is made from rare earth metals that convert infrared light into visible red light. Here’s how it works:

The film excites electrons in the material, causing them to emit photons at a higher energy level, thus producing shorter wavelengths of light that we can see.
When you take photos with this film, areas emitting infrared light will appear red, allowing you to see the infrared emissions from various sources, particularly in nature.

The Importance of Green Spaces

Spending time in green spaces has been linked to numerous health benefits. A meta-analysis conducted in 2018 found that individuals living in greener areas experienced:

A 28% reduction in type 2 diabetes risk
A 16% reduction in cardiovascular mortality
A 31% decrease in overall mortality

These benefits may be attributed to the increased exposure to infrared light emitted by trees and plants, which can help reduce inflammation and improve overall health.

Infrared Light and Indoor Environments

Indoor lighting also plays a significant role in our exposure to infrared light. Typical LED bulbs do not emit infrared light, while incandescent bulbs do. Recent studies indicate that changing the lighting in work environments to include incandescent bulbs can improve mitochondrial activity and overall physiological health.

Health Benefits of Infrared Light Exposure

Research suggests that infrared light can:

Reduce oxidative stress
Increase ATP production
Enhance carbon dioxide output
Lower systemic glucose levels

These benefits highlight the importance of ensuring adequate infrared light exposure in our daily lives, whether through natural sunlight or through specific lighting solutions indoors.

Conclusion

Infrared light is a vital element for maintaining health and well-being. By utilizing a simple infrared filter for your smartphone, you can visualize and appreciate the abundance of infrared light in your environment, particularly in green spaces. As we learn more about the health benefits of infrared exposure, it is essential to seek ways to incorporate this light into our daily lives, both outdoors and indoors.

If you’re interested in exploring infrared light further, consider purchasing the infrared film and start taking pictures to see the benefits firsthand.