Gardening Can Slash Your Risk of Cancer
Gardeners, rejoice! Your hobby is significant health benefits. While it’s great to get outside, work with your hands, and ultimately cultivate growth for a number of reasons, a new study found that working in a community garden—one that’s shared with others—can actually slash your risk of cancer and other chronic diseases. You might be wondering how this works. Continue reading to learn more about what researchers found and why you might want a shovel and seeds.
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Researchers from the University of Colorado (CU), Boulder are looking at ways to reduce disease risks. A senior study author was also involved. Jill LittProfessor of Environmental Studies at CU Boulder and PhD, he was particularly interested gardening.
“There’s something about gardening, no matter where you are,” says everyone. Makes them feel betterLitt, who is also a researcher for the Barcelona Institute for Global Health, stated this in a press statement.
Although a few scientific studies have examined gardening, none of them have focused on community gardening. Litt took advantage of this opportunity. “fill the gap” In research to understand if gardening is a healthy hobby.
The American Cancer Society funded and published the study. Lancet Planetary Health On Jan. 4, participants who followed each other hadn’t gardened The past two years. The group consisted of half the participants who worked in Denver and Aurora, Colorado community gardens. The other half was told to wait one year before they began gardening.
Participants in both groups were fitted with activity monitors, had body measurements taken and completed periodic health checks that included questions about diet, stress, anxiety, and exercise.
Participants in community gardens had higher intakes of fruits and vegetables, and they also felt less stressed and anxious than those who did not participate. Both fiber and exercise were also higher in community gardeners. “pertinent to the prevention of cancer and other chronic diseases,” The study authors wrote.
“These findings provide concrete evidence that community gardening could play an important role in preventing cancer, chronic diseases and mental health disorders,” Litt stated this in a press release.
Gavin DawsonPA-C founder and instructor Global Emergency Medical MedicsAlthough he wasn’t part of the study, the author highlighted that gardening is an easy way to get positive results.
“This study is an excellent example of how a simple, low-cost intervention such as gardening can positively impact both physical and mental health,” He tells Best Life. “Of course, we can’t say that gardening cures cancer, but it could suggest that leading certain lifestyles reduces the risk of cancer, in the long run.”
The gardening group consumed 1.4 grams more fiber than the nongardening group. Authors stressed the importance of this. “profound effect” Fiber has a positive impact on your overall health. Fiber can affect our metabolism by triggering inflammatory and immune responses. Gut health. This directly affects our chance of being diagnosed as having diabetes or other forms of cancer.
“An increase of one gram of fiber can have large, positive effects on health,” co-author James HebertThe press release stated that he is the director of University of South Carolina’s Cancer Prevention and Control Program.
Nancy Mitchell, registered nurse A contributing writer at Assisted Living Center who was not associated with the study points out that gardeners are more likely to be self-sufficient. “eat what they grow,” Moreover, chronic disease risk can be increased by these factors.
“They may choose to consume organic whole foods from their backyard over store-bought processed foods, which can increase cancer risk if consumed consistently and in excess for extended periods,” She elaborates. “Homegrown produce simply isn’t adulterated with the pesticides and industrial chemicals or compounds noted throughout the years to wreak havoc on the body.”
Research has shown that exercise is also important for general health and prevention of disease. According to the press release, gardeners who participated in the study increased their activity by 42 minutes per week. At least 150 minutes of physical activity is recommended each week—and community gardeners achieved 28 percent of this goal in just two to three weekly visits.
Litt notes that gardening can be a low-impact way of staying active. However, community gardens encourage people outside. According to Gary SofferDirector of the integrative Medicine Program at The University of Maryland, Dr. Judith Grainger, FAAP Smilow Cancer Hospital This is also an assistant professor of clinical Pediatrics at Yale School of Medicine. There are undeniable benefits for your health.
“We have known for generations that exposing oneself to nature is good for the spirit and the mind,” He tells Best Life. “Modern science is starting to show that it may even impact our physiology and risk for disease. This article demonstrates that nature is accessible everywhere and that community gardens are a unique opportunity to get that exposure.”
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Litt hopes that these health benefits will only grow. While gardening has many benefits on its own, Litt believes that there are more to be gained from it. shared Your garden may have an even greater impact.
“Even if you come to the garden looking to grow your food on your own in a quiet place, you start to look at your neighbor’s plot and share techniques and recipes, and over time relationships bloom,” Litt stated this in a press release. “It’s not just about the fruits and vegetables. It’s also about being in a natural space outdoors together with others.”
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