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Six Benefits of Growing Your Own Food

A year ago a contagious man-made virus was of concern, and not knowing how to deal with those sickened by it yet, we were advised to stay home.  The good news is we learned that statistically less than 1% die from the Corona virus, and we know effective pill therapies that help people avoid the need to be hospitalized. A silver lining has been people are more interested in caring for and being responsible for their health.

Every day of our lives we breathe in foreign microbes and it is when we have a weak immune system that virus invaders can multiply and get the upper hand. Science has proven that whole food plant nutrition is foundational for good health. We need a variety of 9-13 cups fruits and vegetables of all colors every day. It can be easier to do that if we have a garden steps from the kitchen! There are many benefits to gardening besides savings on groceries!

  • Gardening sharpens the mind. The planning and care of growing food enhances the brain. It is an ongoing learning opportunity. One needs to be observant, e.g. look for pests. One study found gardening can lower the risk of dementia by as much as 36%.
  • Gardening strengthens the body, promotes sleep and maintains weight. Maintaining a garden gets one moving. An active lifestyle can build core strength, balance, and maintain muscle. Working in the garden can lower the levels of the stress hormone cortisol, which causes people to gain weight and interferes with good sleep.
  • Gardening elevates mood. Gardening stimulates our senses and connects us with nature. It reduces our time on digital devices which raises anxiety, whereas gardening is a calming activity. Raising up and caring for living plants gives purpose, builds self-esteem and a sense of accomplishment. We can get a “helpers high” when we share our bounty, or flowers, or encourage another to get growing too.
  • Gardening gives a sense of empowerment. You can grow your own food knowing it is organic and safe versus annual recalls of lettuce, lettuce, celery, melons, etc. because of e-coli contamination. It provides a sense of food security, and the freedom to grow whatever variety of plant, including heirloom. There are tangible reward for efforts. It helps one live in an abundance mindset.
  • Gardening will boost your health. A common hobby of those who live a long healthy life is gardening. We spend too much time indoors. Our bodies are capable of their own photosynthesis. Skin exposed to the sun will help the body to produce the critical Vitamin D, essential for hundreds of body functions. Being in the sun lowers the risk of osteoporosis, arthritis, diabetes, and dementia, and cancer as long as you have not been overexposed which increases the risk of skin cancer. Start out at thirty minutes at a time before 10m and after 3 pm to avoid the peak of UV rays. Outdoor air is generally less polluted than indoor air. On the flip side, growing lots of plants indoors will improve air quality as the plants provide oxygen and help negate the effects of electromagnetic fields (mobile phones, cell phone towers, power lines…). Having both indoor and outdoor gardens is strategic. Besides a vertical garden indoors is bringing the sweet fragrance of nature in!
  • Gardening improves diet. It is about as local and farm to table as you can get. When food is cut off from its roots, it starts to consume its stored nutrition to survive. Who knows how old food is in the produce section of the grocery store? The older it is, the more nutrition it has lost. Having an abundance of a variety of plants ready for the picking can inspire healthy dishes. Children who are involved with gardening eat more greens too!

I would be amiss if I didn’t share there is an easy way to garden vertically inside or outdoors that uses less space, uses 90% less water (and waters itself), involves no weeding, is easier on the back, and a study has found plants grown in it grow faster, bigger, longer and are more mineral rich. Whether you are someone who does not have a green thumb or a master gardener, it is an easy way to get abundant rewards for your effort. Click here to request more information.

 

Do not conform yourselves to this age but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and pleasing and perfect. Romans 12:2

Read More:
Plan for More Outdoor Living
Seven Spring Home Maintenance Tips
Comforting Vegan Shepherd’s Pie

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