Gardening is good for you. You’re moving your body, breathing fresh air, growing (and eating!) fresh produce. In this week’s email, we’re digging into some of the benefits of gardening. If you’re still pondering a New Year’s resolution or goal, it’s not too late to make growing your own food it!
INCREASED EXERCISE
Gardening activities may help you burn as many calories as a workout in the gym. While gardening, you perform movements that mimic whole-body exercise. Gardening can improve strength, flexibility, and balance. Research shows that people who participate in regular physical activity reduce their risk of coronary heart disease and stroke by 35%.
IMPROVED DIET
Different fruits and vegetables have various health benefits and nutritional value. Gardeners are more likely to eat a well-balanced, healthy diet that includes fruits and vegetables. The American Heart Association has published research detailing that that diets higher in plant foods may be linked to a lower risk of dying of a heart attack, stroke, or other cardiovascular disease, notably a 32% lower risk of cardiovascular disease.
TIME IN NATURE
When people are outside, they tend to breathe deeper. Breathing deeper helps to clear the lungs, improve immune response, improve digestion, and increase oxygen levels in the blood. Getting a daily dose of sunlight lowers blood pressure and increases vitamin D levels. (Just remember: While sunlight is vital for good health, remember to protect yourself from harmful UV rays!) Spending time outdoors is linked to reduced heart rate and muscle tension.
A 2011 study published by the Journal of Health Psychology found that gardening caused a decrease in the stress hormone cortisol in test subjects. A 2022 study by the University of Florida found that gardening activities lowered anxiety, stress, and depression in participants. The study’s author theorizes that we may be innately attracted to plants because we depend on them for food, shelter, and other means of survival. In 2014, researchers from the University of Exeter Medical School found that people living near green space reported less mental distress, even after adjusting for income, education, and employment.
TOOLS FOR SUCCESS
Whether you are just starting your gardening journey now or an experienced gardener, we have the tools to help you succeed! Shop our accessories. And, as always, we're here to help you grow. You can call us at 413-665-2658 or email us at info@noursefarms.com with any questions you might have.