5 reasons for gardening this summer
After having evolved for thousands of years in the heart of nature, human beings are increasingly confined within four walls. This disconnection with nature has never been greater than today.
The solution for many is to turn to gardening in summer in order to reconnect with the Earth. Gardening is a relaxing and enjoyable activity that allows the body and mind to let go of daily worries.
Did you know that the benefits of gardening are scientifically proven and well documented? Here are 5 reasons to get your hands dirty this summer!
1re reason to garden this summer: reduce stress
Contact with nature, the smells of plants, the light breeze and the almost meditative nature of gardening are factors that positively influence our mood.
Numerous studies have shown that gardening significantly reduces stress. In fact, 30 minutes of gardening is enough to significantly lower our level of cortisol, the stress hormone.1 Additionally, pilot studies have suggested that gardening brings a state of calm and relaxation in people with depression, addiction disorder, and post-traumatic stress disorder.2
2th reason to garden this summer: improve mental health
It is surprising that we are all struck by the fresh and living smell of black earth. However, there is an explanation.
Soil contains a harmless bacteria known as Mycobacterium vaccae.3 When exposed to this bacteria, the human brain secretes and metabolizes serotonin in greater quantities. Serotonin is a neurotransmitter (chemical messenger in the brain) responsible for feelings of joy and well-being. When present in sufficient quantity, this messenger prevents anxiety, depression, phobias and contributes to a good sleep cycle.
Many researchers believe that modern society has contributed to psychiatric disorders by creating environments free of beneficial microbes.4
3th reason to garden this summer: promote cognitive health
According to a report on gardening prepared by CNN, people aged 60 to 70 who participate in gardening activities on a regular basis have up to 47% less risk of having dementia, when compared to a group of the same age not participating in gardening tasks.5
In addition, preliminary studies indicate that therapeutic gardening offers many benefits to the aging population, including reducing the risk of falls, reducing chronic pain, improving attention span, reducing stress, modulating agitation and reducing the need for medication, particularly antipsychotics.6
4th reason to garden this summer: increase food quality
In addition to controlling the quality of the soil and seeds, the gardener has the privilege of consuming fresh and nutritious foods since all fruits and vegetables are at the peak of their nutritional value when freshly picked.
In addition, certain studies show that people who are actively involved in a vegetable garden are healthier because they consume more fruits and vegetables than their peers. This is all the more true for children, who more easily accept trying new foods when they have participated in picking them, as cited by Anne Palmer, program director in public health at John Hopkins University.5
5th reason to garden this summer: improve your relationship with food
If it is true that children gain an interest in fruits and vegetables by participating in their growing, picking and preparation, the same is true for everyone.
In fact, people with eating disorders can rediscover the pleasure of eating by participating in growing a vegetable garden. In this sense, the community garden becomes an interesting ally, because it offers an opportunity to grow food products while offering a feeling of belonging to a social group.
People who have difficulty eating healthily, measuring portions or controlling their food cravings can also find a better balanced diet through gardening.
Don't wait any longer! Get organic seeds from Jardins de l’Écoumène available at La Boîte à grains and enjoy growing fresh food all summer long!
No time to garden this summer? Join one of our organic baskets. Delivered weekly, your basket will supply you with fresh, local food without having to grow it.
Happy gardening!
About the author
Naturopaths from La Boite à Grains
Team of qualified and certified naturopaths (ND) in Gatineau in Outaouais.
Original article written by Véronique Cousineau, Naturopath
Sources
1: Gardening Promotes Neuroendocrine and Affective Restoration from Stress. Agnes E. Van Den Berg and Mariëtte H.G. Custers. Journal of Health Psychology. Vol 16, Issue 1, pp. 3 – 11. June 3, 2010
2: Horticultural therapy: a pilot study on modulating cortisol levels and indices of substance craving, posttraumatic stress disorder, depression, and quality of life in veterans. Detweiler MB, Self JA, Lane S, Spencer L. Altern Ther Health Med. 2015 Jul-Aug;21(4):36-41.
3: Ingestion of Mycobacterium vaccae decreases anxiety-related behavior and improves learning in mice. Behav Processes. 2013 Jun;96:27-35. doi: 10.1016/j.beproc.2013.02.007. Epub 2013 Feb 27.
4: Inflammation, Sanitation, and DismayLoss of Contact With Coevolved, Tolerogenic Microorganisms and the Pathophysiology and Treatment of Major Depression. Reason CL, Lowry CA, Rook GAW. Arch Gen Psychiatry. 2010;67(12):1211–1224. doi:10.1001/archgenpsychiatry.2010.161
5: Why gardening is good for your health. Anne Harding, Health. July 2011
6: What Is the Evidence to Support the Use of Therapeutic Gardens for the Elderly? Detweiler MB, Sharma T, Detweiler JG, et al. Psychiatry Investigation. 2012;9(2):100-110. doi:10.4306/pi.2012.9.2.100.