You may think of the typical gardener as your aging mother (or grandmother), hunched over a flowerbed in her pink cargo shorts, donning an oversized visor and peering out through Blue Blockers to cut daisies for the kitchen vase. Sure, that?s one type of gardener, but the home gardener who grows food for their family is quickly becoming a rising trend in the foodie world. Check out our video to see some great benefits of planting a garden:
The economy?s still in a slump, and we?re all looking for ways to cut corners and become more self-sufficient. A desire to save money mixed with a growing interest in healthy food has led to a gardening revolution in our modern cities and suburbs. This crafty pastime has transcended from something of our grandparents? era to something we and our children are learning to do for the first time. And according to recent scientific studies, the benefits of home gardening extend to our minds, bodies, and souls.
Here?s a glimpse into the many benefits you can reap for yourself by taking up gardening.
Increased interest in and consumption of fresh, healthy, and culturally diverse foods.
Researchers in the journal Agriculture and Human Values examined the effect that garden programs had on participating youth. Across the board of cities, income levels, and ages, youth were found to be more willing to eat nutritious foods wen participating in hands-on gardening. In addition, they became more willing to try ethnic foods and even accept other people from different cultures when they had been gardening. Researchers suggest that individuals, especially children, will eat healthier foods and become more open-minded because of the diversity that?s presented when growing foods in a garden.
Reduce mental stress and increase sense of well-being.
A fascinating article in the journal Acta Horticulturae reported a study on how gardening increases one?s ability to cope with high levels of stress. Working with individuals who were diagnosed with serious health problems, researchers found that those who gardened daily were able to attain greater emotional and spiritual satisfaction in their lives and were better able to deal with the stressors of their physical conditions.
Have better access to fresh food in food-starved conditions.
Robin Marsh, a researcher working with the FAO?s Sustainable Development Department, has identified several appreciable benefits of home gardening for families. Of the most relevant benefits for consumers is the direct access to fresh food that can be harvested and prepared by the family on a daily basis. Families that normally struggle with food security, such as the very poor or those living in dense urban neighborhoods, are able to have fresh food daily by gardening on small scales in vacant lots, raised beds, and containers.
Enjoy more nutritious meals on a regular basis.
In her research, Robin Marsh has also found that home gardeners are able to eat much of the day?s recommended nutrients from their homegrown foods alone. She estimates that about 50% of gardeners? fruits and vegetables come directly from their backyards, and even small gardens can supply anywhere from 20% to 80% of the recommended daily allowances for various nutrients. Grow food in your yard and you?ll always have fresh, nutritious food.
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Sources:
Lautenschlager, L., & Smith, C. (2007). Beliefs, knowledge, and values held by inner-city youth about gardening, nutrition, and cooking. Agriculture and Human Values, 24(2), 245-258. Retrieved from http://www.springerlink.com/content/7055246628p3u661/
Marsh, R. (1998). Building on traditional gardening to improve household food security. Retrieved from http://www.cnisbss.org/Newsline/PDF/LJR_19092007/Building%20on%20traditional%20gardening%20to%20improve%286%29.pdf
Unruh, A. M. (2004). The meaning of gardens and gardening in daily life: a comparison between gardeners with serious health problems and healthy participants. Acta Horticulturae, 639, 67-73. Retrieved from http://www.actahort.org/books/639/639_7.htm
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By Kimberley Stakal
Source: http://healthdailyonline.com/2012/03/benefits-of-planting-a-garden/
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