Over the Garden Fence – The Health Benefits of Gardening – Sierra Sun Times

December 13, 2019 - By Ingrid Angelini, (UC Master Gardener of Mariposa County) - Is your New Years Resolution to do something to improve your health? You may want to consider the health benefits of gardening.

The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill found that gardening raises self-esteem, improves cardiovascular health, reduces stress and anxiety, promotes better sleep, increases hand strength, can foster relationships and sets the stage for future health.

Cardiovascular benefits are derived from moving around as the garden is maintained. Calories are thus burned, and an active lifestyle reduces the incidence of obesity, high blood pressure, osteoporosis and stroke.

Michigan State University, in cooperation with its university extension program, points out the benefits of reduced risk of colon cancer and premature death and notes that exercising both the arms and legs helps to prevent afflictions such as coronary disease. Strength in the hands and fingers is promoted by the digging, planting and pulling involved in gardening.

Intense physical activity is well known to foster deep sleep, but even light physical activity while gardening can lead to a better nights rest.

It was found that gardening can reduce the level of Cortisol, the stress hormone. By being outdoors we inhale Mycobacterium vaccae, a healthy bacterium which resides in soil and can increase serotonin levels, thereby reducing anxiety. Furthermore, self-esteem stems (no pun intended) from actually planting, tending and harvesting the plants, thereby offering a feeling of accomplishment.

While gardening alone can increase the aforementioned qualities of life and health, gardening with friends and family fosters bonds, and spreads well-being among participants. When children play in the dirt at an early age, there is a link to a reduction in future health problems, including allergies and autoimmune disorders.

The National Institutes of Health found one study revealing that daily gardening can reduce the risk of dementia by 36%. Evidence exists that growing plants actually enhances brain function. In addition, Cornell University researchers found that even growing an indoor plant can boost attention and improve ones mood.

Growing food leads to better eating and nutrition. Consuming your home-grown fruits and vegetables supports your physical and mental health by providing the antioxidants, vitamins and other nutrients needed for a healthy body and brain.

Exposure to sunshine, the major source of vitamin D, strengthens the bones and immune system. Of course, avoid the peak hours between 10:00 A.M. and 2:00 P.M., particularly in summer, and be sure to use sunscreen and sunglasses.

Gardening sharpens the mind, strengthens the body and soothes the soul.

UC Master Gardeners of Mariposa County are located at 5009 Fairgrounds Rd., Mariposa.

The U.C. Master Gardener Helpline is staffed;Thursdays from 2:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.

Serving Mariposa County, including Greeley Hill, Coulterville and Lake Don PedroPlease contact the helpline, or leave a message by phone at: (209) 966-7078By email (send photos and questions for researched answers) to:mgmariposa@ucdavis.edu

For further gardening information and event announcements, please visit:UCMG website:cemariposa.ucanr.edu/Master_GardenerFollow us on Facebook at:Facebook.com/mariposamastergardeners

Master Gardener Office Location:UC Cooperative Extension Office,5009 Fairgrounds RoadMariposa, CA 95338

Phone: (209) 966-2417Email:mgmariposa@ucdavis.eduWebsite:cemariposa.ucanr.edu/Master_Gardener

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Over the Garden Fence - The Health Benefits of Gardening - Sierra Sun Times