4 Health Benefits of Gardening
Growing your product increases the amount of fresh fruit and vegetables you consume. Few people know this, but only one in ten adults eats the recommended daily allowance of fruits and vegetables. When you grow herbs and peppers for your meals, they can add a new level of flavor and nutrition. This is not all: gardening also helps you burn calories, which is beneficial for your health. It can also improve your cardiovascular health, lower your blood pressure, and reduce stress levels.
Reduces body mass index
Researchers in Canada have found that gardening can significantly reduce the body mass index of community gardeners. BMI reductions for women were nearly four percent, and for men, they were more than nine percent. Even more impressive, these community gardeners are significantly less likely to be overweight than their non-gardening neighbors. This difference in weight is substantial: men who garden were 40% less likely to be obese than those who did not garden. These results are compelling and prove that gardening can dramatically reduce a person’s BMI.
Lowers blood pressure
Research has shown that daily gardeners reduce their blood pressure. Whether through a simple act like planting a flower or a tree, gardening increases endorphins – the happy hormones that make us feel good. And it’s not just that gardening lowers blood pressure – daily gardening is also linked to reduced risk of stroke and heart disease. Gardening reduces blood pressure more effectively than swimming and aerobic exercise.
Improves heart health
Eating nutrient-rich foods is beneficial for the heart and can also help you stay healthy. For example, you should try to avoid fried foods and processed meats. These foods have high levels of saturated fat, which are believed to cause high cholesterol and elevated risk of cardiovascular disease. Eating plenty of fruits and vegetables can also improve your heart health. However, it is important to remember that eating too much salt may harm your heart.
Reduces stress levels
Research shows that gardening reduces your stress levels. Care for plants relieves negative thoughts, and you also gain a sense of responsibility. Growing your food adds a new achievement and responsibility to the hobby. And most importantly, gardening will reduce your cortisol levels, which are produced when under stress. And the best part is that it’s fun! So, why not get started?