If you’re like most people, you want to live as long as possible, and while exercising and dieting have been the focus of those seeking greater longevity, there are other activities that can also aid in it. One of these is gardening, and below are some reasons why.
What The Research Shows
There is a collection of scientific and anecdotal evidence which suggests those who garden regularly can live as much as fourteen years longer than those who don’t. This is about a decade and a half, which is considerable, so a number of experts have performed investigations to find out why.
Gardeners Are Exposed To Higher Levels Of Vitamin D
Gardening is rarely done at night, and is mostly performed during the day. As such, those who engage in this task spend a lot of time in the sun, and given the fact that the human body creates Vitamin D partly as a result of sun exposure, those who have it in abundance will have greater protection against cardiovascular disease and cancer. What this means is that even those who aren’t interested in gardening and can acquire similar protection by spending more time outside.
Gardeners Usually Eat Lots of Vegetables
Most of the individuals who garden regularly are fond of vegetables such as tomatoes, pumpkin seeds, turnips, carrot oil, peas, cabbage, etc. Research has consistently shown over the years that a diet rich in vegetables leads to greater health and longevity, due to their antioxidant properties, high nutrient content and lower toxicity. Again, even if you don’t want to start your own garden, you can increase your lifespan through greater consumption of veggies.
Gardening Involves Physical Labor And Exercise
When most people think of exercise, they think of things such as weight lifting, aerobics, or jogging. While these are all “direct” exercises which are specifically designed for greater strength and stamina, gardening involves indirect exercises such as lifting, digging and raking, all of which requires physical exertion and effort. This benefits the body through greater blood circulation.
Gardeners Handle Dirt And Soil Frequently – And That’s Good!
Many people are under the misconception that dirt and soil are bad for them. However, a growing body of evidence is finding that the opposite is true, that a total lack of soil and dirt, and the organisms which are associated with it, can actually increase the chances of developing an auto immune disease. The reason for this is because soil is exceptionally rich in minerals, microorganisms and good bacteria. Gardeners come into contact with the soil regularly and their bodies are exposed to good (and a little bit of bad bacteria) which balances their immune system. Scientists and healthcare professionals are beginning to recognize the importance of gut health and good bacteria in conjunction with the overall health of the body. Even those who aren’t into gardening should consider consuming more foods that are fermented, along with probiotics.