Apparently gardeners can live on average 14 years longer than non-gardeners!
Here's some fun facts and reasons why you should take up gardening...
Lots of fresh air and Vitamin D...
In a world sat at desks and in our homes getting outside can be a rare occasion!
The body naturally produces Vitamin D from sun exposure so while tending to the garden you'll be soaking up some much needed rays. Vitamin D is protective against types of cancer and heart disease so it is logical that those with higher Vitamin D levels could live longer - but make sure you always use a sunscreen!
The air inside our homes can get stale and recycled so having some fresh air will make you feel more alive, sleep better and in turn provide a healthier lifestyle. Fresh, oxygen rich air helps your immune system to fight off disease more effectively due to healthier white blood cells.
Get Dirty...
Getting your hands dirty is actually really good for you! In fact, lack of dirt, and the soil borne organisms that come with it, has been linked to higher auto-immune disease.
Soil is a rich source of natural bacteria and microorganisms. Touching the soil regularly exposes the body to beneficial and small amounts of harmful microorganisms that can boost the immune system!
Fancy getting dirty? Check out our topsoil and compost range.
Fresh organic fruit and veg...
The 'Grow Your Own' gang are surrounded by fresh fruit and veg for their picking - which means no nasty chemicals and organic produce packed full of nutrients! Eating more vegetables and less processed foods means more nutrients, antioxidants and less toxins - a minimum of 5 fruit and veg a day promotes a healthier and therefore longer life!
Want to start growing your own? Our VegeGrow Topsoil is the perfect mix.
Exercise...
Some days you can't get in the garden without working up a bit of a healthy sweat! Mowing the lawn, picking weeds, raking and digging all requires low-level activity, but still provide positive benefits of exercise in a relaxing (and useful) way. Regular exercise is a great stress reliever and balancing stress hormones has a positive effect on everything from blood pressure, cortisol levels to inflammation... So in theory you may live longer!
It brings happiness!
The most important factor is the sheer amount of happiness gardening, and the result of hard work, can bring.
Getting your hands dirty in the garden can increase your serotonin levels. Contact with soil and a specific soil bacteria triggers the release of serotonin in our brain according to research. Serotonin is a happy chemical, a natural anti-depressant and strengthens the immune system... again helping you live longer, and happier.
