8 Reasons Why Gardening Can Make You Healthier

Growing your own garden is a way to always have fresh vegetables on hand. This will, of course, save you money, but it can also pack a powerful health punch. These are health benefits that can only be achieved when we have plenty of fresh vegetables around. Gardening will allow you to have as many vegetables as you need right in your own backyard.

You Are Getting the Fiber You Need

Most Americans do not get enough fiber. Those that get enough fiber often do so through the use of supplements. Having a fresh vegetable garden gives you the opportunity to get up to 20 times more fiber in your diet simply by heading into your backyard and picking a few vegetables for your meals. Fiber makes us feel fuller faster, which in turn, allows us to either maintain a healthy weight or shed any unwanted pounds. It also helps to prevent constipation, and offers health benefits for heart disease and diabetes.

You are Protecting Your Heart

Our hearts are highly impacted by the foods we eat. When we eat a diet high in fat and salt, we are put at risk for high blood pressure and high cholesterol, which can further lead to things like heart attack and stroke. Vegetables do not have these in them and contain a significant amount of heart healthy nutrients, such as fiber, magnesium and potassium.

You are Boosting Your Immunity

Vitamins C and A are big helpers for our immunity. When our immune systems are strong, we can fight off infections better and our wounds will heal faster. Vitamin A also plays a major role in the health of our eyes and skin. Vitamin C is known for helping the body to absorb iron and keeping the gums and teeth healthy. Carrots and broccoli are two vegetables that contain both of these vitamins.

You are Protecting Yourself Against Cancer

A diet rich in vegetables can help in lowering your risk for cancer. For example, many vegetables are rich in fiber. Getting plenty of fiber has been linked to a reduced risk of colon cancer. Lycopene, a compound found in tomatoes, has been linked to a reduced risk of prostate cancer. Of course, eating vegetables does not eliminate the risk of cancer, but getting plenty of vegetables in your diet and following an overall healthy lifestyle may reduce your risk.

You are Protecting Your Bones

Vitamin K is found in high amounts in cabbage and similar vegetables, such as kale and Brussels sprouts. This vitamin has been shown to promote osteotrophic activity in bones, which in turn, promotes bone metabolism. This helps to strengthen bones and keep them healthy. Calcium is also critical for bone health, as well as the health of our teeth. This mineral can be found in watercress.

Promoting Red Blood Cell Production

We need red blood cells so that oxygen is carried throughout our bodies to provide nutrients to the tissues. To produce these vital blood cells, we need adequate amounts of certain nutrients, such as iron and copper. These two nutrients are found in healthy amounts in artichokes.

Promoting a Healthy Pregnancy

Getting the right amount of folate every day has been shown to promote cell division and the synthesis of DNA. Even more, these have been shown to prevent certain birth defects in the developing fetus, such as neural-tube defects. Expecting mothers and those trying to get pregnant, should consume more folate to help promote fetal health.

Promoting a Healthy Metabolism and Energy

The B vitamins are often associated with metabolism and energy. While each B vitamin does have more benefits, each does play a critical role in our metabolism and energy. When our metabolism is going as it should, we are able to maintain a healthy weight and have the energy that we need to get through the day. Many vegetables contain at least some of the B vitamins.

About the Author: Abigail Turner enjoys writing for Architectural Gardens. If she’s not busy writing she enjoys spending time with her children and working outside in her personal garden.

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