Benefits
Brain Nerve Growth
Gardening in various activities can provide an advantage to the brain. One study showed a consistency of digging, fertilizing, raking, transplanting plants and watering them in short time frames. Participants expressed a significant increased levels in brain growth with only 20 minutes of low to moderate intensity gardening (Park,2019).
Cognitive Function
Studies show that physical activity is associated with increased memory and cognition. Gardening can contribute to exercise and elevate concentrations of BDNF protein that create changes to the hippo-campus, where cognitive function can be inhibited (Park, 2019).
Urban cities and our well being
Approximately three billion people live in urban cities and it continues to grow. This leads to a fast paced lifestyle and an increase in adverse health outcomes. Decreasing physical activity, consuming high energy foods, psychological stress, chronic and noncommunicable diseases (Soga, 2017).
Urban Allotments are becoming more prevalent and impacting healthier lifestyles. It provides the opportunity for city people, to experience nature.Research shows, less stress, higher vegetable consumption, social networking and more physical activities that are engaged during gardening (Soga, 2017). A study of 165 allotment gardeners in urban cities reported a significant increase in better overall physical and mental health, social interaction, and less complains during gardening (Soga, 2017).
War Gardens AKA Victory Gardens
History of gardens throughout the community in the United States began a century ago. The War Gardens became popular in 1944 and 40% of the fruits and vegetables consumed by the United States wore grown in community gardens (Al-Delaimey, 2017).
In the 1970's, during an economic crisis, gardens became popular once again and brought organic food to urban cities (Al-Delaimey, 2017).
In 2008 it happened again, during a financial downturn, there was a 19% increase in community gardens around the country. This has led to an improvement in health and well being of those participating in the benefits of the gardens (Al-Delaimey, 2017).
References:
Park, Sin-Ae, Lee, A-Young, Park, Hee-Geun, & Lee, Wang-Lok. (2019). Benefits of Gardening Activities for Cognitive Function According to Measurement of Brain Nerve Growth Factor Levels. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 16(5), International journal of environmental research and public health, 02 2019, Vol.16(5).
Al-Delaimy, W., & Webb, K. (2017). Community Gardens as Environmental Health Interventions: Benefits Versus Potential Risks. Current Environmental Health Reports, 4(2), 252-265.
Soga, M., Cox, D., Yamaura, Y., Gaston, K., Kurisu, K., & Hanaki, K. (2017). Health Benefits of Urban Allotment Gardening: Improved Physical and Psychological Well-Being and Social Integration. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 14(1), International journal of environmental research and public health, January 12, 2017, Vol.14(1).