Gardening is a hobby that does more than just enhance the appearance of your home and provide fresh veggies. Several scientific research suggests that gardening plays a significant role in improving your health. It helps to maintain a healthy weight and blood pressure while improving your mood and psychological health. Keep on caring for plants to enjoy the following health benefits:
1. Gardening Helps you Control Weight
Source: ShutterstockMaintaining a healthy weight or losing a few pounds is a goal for most people, and gardening can help you reach it. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), you can burn up to 165 calories doing 30 minutes of gardening more than weightlifting or a general light workout. A study by the American Journal of Public Health suggests that people involved in gardening have lower body mass indexes as compared to non-gardeners.
2. Gardening Reduces Stress
Feeling the life all around you helps to relieve stress. Research shows that spending time outside helps lift your spirit, and one of the best ways to do this is through gardening.
According to a meta-analysis in Preventive Medicine Reports, gardening helps to reduce the levels of cortisol. That is why many hospitals use therapeutic gardens and flowers to enhance the surroundings of patients, visitors, and staff. Gardening teaches people a new style that can restore their self-esteem.
3. Growing Your Own Food Helps You to Eat Healthier
Source: ShutterstockApart from the physical workout you get tending to your plot; a productive garden can supply you with fresh, healthy foods. According to the CDC, only 10% of Americans eat enough fruits and vegetables. The Dietary Guidelines recommend each person to consume at least 2 cups of vegetables and 1½ cups of fruits daily.
However, gardening helps people to grow a habit of eating fresh adequate fruits and vegetables. It also helps you to encourage your kids to eat fruits and vegetables, and try foods they’ve never eaten before.
4. It Lowers Your Risk of Stroke and Cardiac Diseases
According to the National Institutes of Health, exposing your skin to the sun allows your body to make vitamin D. This vitamin absorbs minerals vital for bone formation. While it is good to spend more time in the sun, be sure to apply sunscreen to limit the risk of skin cancer.
Source: ShutterstockGardening minimizes the risk of cardiac attack and prolongs life by 30%, as per the study published in the British Journal of Sports Medicine. This is as a result of the physical exercise and stress reduction associated with gardening. Find out more lifestyle tips to reduce your risk of heart diseases.
5. Improves Hand Coordination and Strength
Hand strength, coordination, and flexibility are vital for daily routine tasks. Spending at least 30 minutes of regular digging, planting, and pulling helps improve your motor and muscle skills.
Gardening as a hobby offers many benefits to individuals and the environment. Apart from enhancing physical and mental health, it also helps to increase property value and save money. The most exciting part is that you can start small if the idea of gardening excites you. You can grow your passion for gardening by beginning with a few pots of flowers.
