An older couple is sitting on a bench
What does it take to live with triple digit health? Science has proven that eating nutritious foods, exercising, getting enough sleep, managing stress, and being close to loved ones all play an important role. But did you know that certain hobbies are linked to living longer?
Scientific evidence shows a direct relationship between longevity and gardening, a hobby that benefits both body and mind. Want to know how? Here, aging experts explain the connection. It will also help you brainstorm what to plant in your garden!
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How gardening can help with physical health
You don't need to go to the gym to exercise; Gardening is exercise! Darnell Cox, MA , gerontologist and founder of Live Young Lifestyle, cited a scientific study showing that gardening is associated with lower blood pressure. Cox says gardening is moderate exercise that's good for the heart. Spending time outside in nature has a calming effect that can help lower blood pressure.
"Also, working with your hands on the ground is a process that connects your body to the earth," says Cox. He explains that the earth's natural negative electrical energy is a way to neutralize free radicals in the body, reduce inflammation, lower cortisol (also known as the stress hormone) levels, and (drum roll) lower blood pressure.
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In addition to helping lower blood pressure, gardening can tone muscles, burn calories and promote agility and balance, Cox said. The best part is that it does all this in a way that is gentler on the body than other exercises.
Dr. Kellyanne Petrucci, MS, ND , naturopath and author of The Bone Broth Diet , explains that spending time gardening in the sun is a great way to get vitamin D, which is good for the brain, bones, and gut. In fact, insufficient intake of vitamin D is associated with premature death, while other gardening is associated with longevity.
How gardening can help mental health
Gardening is not only good for the body. It's scientifically linked to supporting mental health, which is important because happier people live longer. "Your contact with nature in the garden has the power to refresh and refresh your mind, it is a refuge from the hustle and bustle of everyday life," said Dr. Petrucci. "Participating in gardening can help reduce stress and improve overall mental health.
Science backs this up, showing that making time for gardening is linked to alleviating symptoms of stress, depression and fatigue. "Gardening can provide purpose and increase social interaction if you're working with others," Cox added. "Harvests are often shared with friends and family, and community gardens foster relationships and provide a sense of belonging." With this in mind, inviting your friends and family to garden with you is not only good for your health, it's good for them too!
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What you plant in your garden is good for your body and mind. But there are herbs that you can grow that, when eaten, directly contribute to your mental health. Coriander is recommended by Dr. Petrucci. "Ciantro contains cyanide, which is important for brain function. Ciantro has a role in mental and emotional health. Ciantro contains vitamin A for eye health and vitamin C to strengthen the immune system," she says.
No cilantro? Cox says rosemary, sage and lavender have been linked to supporting mental health. Or, he says, you can grow lion's mane mushrooms, which are associated with mental health.
When you spend time gardening, you invest your energy in a hobby that will benefit your body and mind for years to come. You will truly reap what you sow!
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