Gardening during the spring season is not just about beautifying your home or growing your food. It also offers significant health benefits. Recently, Dr. Efrat Lamandre was invited on WEWS CBS News 5 Cleveland, OH to discuss how gardening can positively impact our health.
A Full-Body Workout
Spring gardening is much more than a hobby. It’s a comprehensive workout. Engaging in activities such as digging, planting, and weeding provides a physical workout that can benefit different aspects of your health. These garden chores require the use of various muscle groups, from your arms and legs to your back and shoulders, making gardening an effective exercise.
Soaking Up Vitamin D
While tending to your garden, you’re also exposed to plenty of sunlight, which is a natural source of Vitamin D. This essential nutrient plays a crucial role in bone health and immunity. Spending moderate amounts of time in the sun while gardening can help boost your Vitamin D levels naturally.
The Power of Herbs
Incorporating herbs into your garden is not only great for your cuisine but also beneficial for your health. Herbs are packed with antioxidants and nutrients that support overall well-being. Growing herbs like basil, rosemary, and thyme can provide you with a fresh and natural supply of these health-boosting plants.
The Miracle of Soil
Dr. Lamandre highlights an unexpected benefit of gardening—its positive impact on your microbiome. As you work with the soil, you inadvertently ingest and breathe in microorganisms. Soil is teeming with life, and these microorganisms can diversify your gut bacteria, which is beneficial for your immune system and gut health.
Good Bacteria for a Healthy Immune System
It turns out that getting your hands dirty in the garden does more than just grow plants. The soil is rich in good bacteria that have several health benefits, including strengthening the immune system and improving gut health. These microorganisms can help our bodies in numerous ways, from fighting off infections to enhancing our digestive system’s functioning.
Conclusion
Beyond looking good, gardening can do wonders for your physical and mental health. As Dr. Lamandre explained, it’s an activity that promotes a healthier lifestyle through exercise, vitamin D exposure, nutritional boosts from home-grown herbs, and improving your microbiome. So, next time you’re out in your garden, remember that it’s not just your plants that are growing—you’re nurturing your health, too.
