Medical Video: The Mental Health Benefits of Gardening
Do you still remember the songs of children created by Mrs. Sud that read, "hoes, hoes, I am happy to plant corn in our garden"? Gardening can actually make your heart happy. This has been proven by so many medical studies, you know! And not only that. Gardening is also beneficial for your physical health.What are the benefits of gardening for your health? Find out in this article.
What are the benefits of gardening for health?
Although green land is available, this is rarely maximized by homeowners for a variety of reasons, from no time, fear of insects, lack of talent for gardening, or dislike of dirty hands. In fact, by caring for the smallest garden at home, you can improve your quality of life.
Many do not realize that gardening is a physical activity that has the equivalent intensity of running on a treadmill with a speed of 5 km / hr. In addition to beautifying your home page, setting aside a few minutes a day to treat your plants has also improved heart health. The following five other gardening benefits are just as good for your health.
1. Lose weight
By gardening, your body will move so that it can burn the body's calories. If all this time you find it difficult to lose weight, try gardening. Based on research conducted by the American Journal of Public Health, gardening can reduce weight to five to 7 kilograms. According to research conducted by Westminster University, UK, someone who routinely takes care of plants in the garden and pots has a lower BMI (Body Mass Index) than those who don't like gardening.
2. Reducing the risk of heart disease
Although not classified as cardio activity, gardening can also reduce the risk of heart disease. Based on research in the British Journal of Sports Medicine, gardening can reduce the risk of heart disease and stroke by 30 percent.
3. Increase endurance
Gardening will indeed make your hands dirty. However, the bacteria contained in the soil can actually increase your body's endurance. That way you won't get sick easily and can fight infection more easily. This was revealed from a study in the journal Science. Research conducted by the University of Copenhagen also found that gardening can prevent allergies.
4. Maintain brain health
Gardening is not only good for the physical, but also for brain health. Research in the Journal of Alzheimer's Disease, says that gardening can protect cognitive health, increase brain volume, and reduce the risk of Alzheimer's by 50 percent.
5. Improve hand coordination and strength
Hand strength, flexibility and coordination are important things to support daily activities. Gardening is an effective way to increase this ability.