Did you know that gardening has documented health benefits?  It’s no surprise to see why community gardens are popping up in hospitals, prisons, nursing homes, schools and community centers for the homeless. There is a certain sense of satisfaction you get from giving life and taking care of a beautiful plant or flower.  Here are 6 health related benefits to gardening.

1. Improved self esteem and stress relief – A study was done where 2 groups were asked to do a stressful task and afterwards, one group would read for 30 mins and the other would garden for 30 minutes. The group that gardened had measurably lower Cortisol levels, the stress hormone.

2. Improved heart health and lower stroke risk – Not only is gardening a form of low-moderate intensity exercise, a study has shown that it can reduce strokes and heart attacks by nearly 30% in those over 60 years of age. The Vitamin D you get from sunlight also helps lower the risk of heart disease.

3. Hand strength and dexterity – As we age, it is normal to lose strength and range of motion in our hands without regular exercise.

4. Brain health and Alzheimer’s risk – Studies have shown that one of the biggest factors in reduced risk of dementia is daily gardening. Alzheimer’s is still a mysterious disease so doctor’s aren’t exactly sure why but it might be because gardening involves multiple brain functions like strength, endurance, dexterity, learning, problem solving and sensory awareness.

5. Immune system regulation – this one may be a little of a stretch but doctors have predicted that the Mycobacterium vaccae, or bacterial found in dirt and soil, can help with psoriasis, allergies and asthma. The Vitamin D you absorb from the sun also helps to fight off colds and flu.

6. Depression – Like exercise, gardening can provide the “lift” in mood after a good work out. Growing a variety of different plants from flowers to vegetables can also have therapeutic properties. So next time you’re in the garden, just sit back and enjoy the view for a couple minutes before you get to work!