For Mind and Body: 5 Health Benefits of Gardening
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Spending time in the garden or vegetable garden is much more beneficial for physical and psychological health than many summer residents assume. According to Deborah Benzil, MD, neurosurgeon and spine specialist, the health benefits of gardening are wide-ranging. She listed the main benefits.
Prevention of osteoporosis
Osteoporosis is a condition in which a person's bones weaken, lose mass and strength, making them more prone to fractures . Time spent in the garden can reduce the risk of developing this condition, the expert is sure. A healthy diet is also important in the prevention of osteoporosis.
Getting vitamin D
“You breathe fresh air and are exposed to sunlight, which stimulates the production of vitamin D,” continued Benzil. Regular and safe exposure to the sun several times a week is important to provide the body with the necessary vitamin that supports bone strength and helps the body absorb calcium, according to the Cleveland Clinic website.
Physical activity< /strong>
Exercise is good for health, but many do not have time for sports. Gardening provides the perfect balance: it strengthens the bones and exercises the muscles. “When you garden, you get stimulation through weight-bearing exercises like walking and using garden tools. You use the muscles in a certain way, which stimulates both bone and muscle strength,” explained the expert.
Brain Health
Regular gardening has many benefits for brain health. According to Benzil, there have been several studies that have focused on gardening as an excellent therapeutic tool for people with dementia. Scientists also believe that gardening generally has a positive effect on the elderly. Additionally, there have been studies showing that gardening can potentially prevent dementia.
Mental health benefits
Gardening also benefits mental health . In addition to improving mood from being in the fresh air, a person gets pleasure when he sees how plants grow and bloom.
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