Cultivating Better Health with Gardening
Gardening is good for you. You're moving your body, breathing fresh air, growing (and eating!) fresh produce. Lets dig into some of the benefits of gardening.
Increased Exercise
While gardening, you perform movements that mimic whole-body exercise. Gardening can improve strength, flexibility, and balance.
35% Risk reduction of coronary heart disease and stroke when participating in regular physical activity, such as gardening.
Improved Diet
People who garden and grow their own food are more likely to ear a well-balanced, healthy diet that incldes fruits and vegetables. The American Heart Association has publushed research detailing that diets higher in plant foods may be linked to a lower risk of dying of a heart attack, stroke, or other cardiovascular disease.
32% Lower risk of cardiovascular disease when eating a diet that includes more plant foods.
Time Outside
When people are outside, they:
- breathe deeper, clearing the lungs, improving immune response and digestion, and increasing blood oxygen levels.
- get a daily dose of sunlight, which lowers blood pressure and increases vitamin D levels.
- reduce their heart rate and muscle tension.
Just remember: while sunlight is vital for good health, remember to protect yourself from harmful UV rays!
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.
Murray, Samantha. “Gardening Can Cultivate Better Mental Health - News.” News, July 6, 2022.
Texas, By Er Of. “8 Tips to Reap the Health Benefits from Gardening.” ER Of Texas, March 27, 2023.
