Your smile, body, and psyche give gardening 2 (very enthusiastic) green thumbs up. Here are all of the blooming benefits that growing can give Y-O-U:
Gardening is . . .
. . . your very own Farmer’s Market.
With fresh fruits, herbs, and vegetables all at your fingertips, it’s easy to make meals more colorful. You choose when to harvest your food, so the vegetables often contain more nutrients than those at the local store. Plus, seeds, sun, and soil are cents compared to produce from the grocery store. A gorgeous garden pleases the eyes, but what homegrown goodies gratify your grin? Crunchy fruits and veggies stimulate saliva flow, washing away mouth bacteria. Regardless of whether you enjoy raw, steamed, or mashed, your body and smile will prosper from personal produce.
. . . your stress relief.
Stress can take a toll on your teeth and overall well-being. Thankfully, viewing natural landscapes can make you feel at ease. Instead of breathing in and out, stop and smell the roses.
. . . your gym membership.
If planting flowers sounds easier than planting your heels for a squat press, you’re in luck! Gardening is classified as a moderate to intense physical activity. People who choose gardening are more likely to exercise 50 minutes longer than those who choose to walk or bike. Shaping up in the soil can produce more than fragrant flowers. Participants who exercised regularly had fresher breath and healthier gums, according to a recent study.
. . . your daily dose of vitamins.
Sunlight can make your smile bright; thanks to vitamin D. Vitamin D is a hormone that helps absorb calcium and phosphorus—2 minerals crucial for bone and teeth health. But we’re not getting enough of it. Vitamin D is one of the top under-consumed nutrients, according to the USDA. Certain foods contain vitamin D but only small amounts. Remember to slap on the ’screen (SPF 15 or higher) before soaking up the sun.
Get to it, gardeners! Here are some tips to get you started.