According to new research from the University of Colorado at Boulder, growing fruits, vegetables and flowers has many benefits, from alleviating stress to reducing the risk of developing cancer and chronic disease.
“These findings provide concrete evidence that community gardening may play an important role in preventing cancer, chronic disease, and mental health disorders,” said lead author Jill Litt. “No matter where you go, people say there’s something regarding gardening that makes them feel better.”
Following a randomized, controlled trial of more than 290 adults with an average age of 41, the team reported that participants increased their level of physical activity by around 42 minutes per week. Public health agencies in the United States recommend at least 150 minutes of physical activity per week.
The aspiring gardeners saw their stress and anxiety levels decrease and, interestingly, they also consumed more fiber. And there are also many social benefits to taking up this hobby.
“Even if you come to the garden to grow your own food in a quiet place, you start looking at your neighbor’s plot and sharing techniques and recipes, and over time the relationships blossom,” commented Jill Litt, noting that gardening alone is good for us, and joining a community setting can have additional benefits. “It’s not just regarding fruits and vegetables. It is also regarding being in a natural space, outdoors, with others.”
The results were published in Lancet Planetary Health.