6 health benefits of gardening

---

Extract from the article: Gardening offers a unique opportunity to revitalize body and mind. Watering, planting and cultivating are all part of this wonderful activity. More than just a hobby, gardening provides a host of physical and mental health benefits, contributing to..

---

Gardening offers a unique opportunity to revitalize body and mind. Watering, planting and cultivating are all part of this wonderful activity. More than just a hobby, gardening provides a host of physical and mental health benefits, contributing to a better quality of life. Recommended for the elderly and anyone over 50.

Gardening, long considered just a pleasant pastime, is now revealing unsuspected health benefits. Recent scientific studies show that this soothing activity can be just as beneficial as regular exercise.

A natural stress reliever

Gardening acts as a powerful stress reliever. This manual activity soothes the mind, allowing individuals preoccupied with work or personal worries to relax. Being in contact with nature, away from screens, brings a deep sense of well-being. The sight of greenery, even for a few minutes a day, significantly reduces stress-related symptoms.

Healthy, local food

Growing a vegetable garden leads to healthier eating. Gardening allows you to enjoy fresh, nutritious produce straight from the garden: zucchinis, cucumbers, carrots, vegetables and much more. Opting for an organic vegetable garden maximizes these benefits. Not only do you eat more vegetables, but you also learn to cook them in a variety of ways.

A complete physical activity

Gardening is a real calorie-burning sport. Three and a half hours of gardening can lose up to 1,000 Kcal, the equivalent of 2 hours' running. Activities such as raking and shovelling raise the heart rate, while carrying loads strengthens the muscles. Pruning improves flexibility and balance. It's important to maintain good posture to avoid injury, especially to the back.

Reducing cardiovascular risk

Regular gardening reduces the risk of cardiovascular disease. Gardening reduces the risk of cardiovascular disease by 30-50%. This reduction is linked to the fact that gardening is a physical activity that helps lower bad cholesterol levels.

Fortifying bones

Gardening helps combat the first signs of osteoporosis. According to a study conducted in 2000 by researchers at the University of Arkansas, gardening is one of the physical activities that best preserves bone quality, just after lifting weights. The mobility required by gardening is excellent for the joints.

Stimulating cognitive function and the immune system

Gardening improves cognitive function and memory. Determining what and when to plant, learning about new plants and techniques actively engages the brain. This activity also helps to clear the mind, stimulate sensory perception and regenerate the ability to concentrate. What's more, exposure to the sun while gardening enables the body to produce vitamin D, essential for a healthy immune system and calcium absorption for strong bones and teeth.

Yendoumi K.

Source : “ Medisite ”